TRANSPORT AND TECHNICAL SERVICES
DISCOUNTED PARKING FOR LOW EMISSION VEHICLES
Purpose of the Report
To amend the Road Traffic (Public Parking Places – Charges) (Jersey) Order 2010 with regard to the existing discount parking scheme for low emission vehicles by lowering the emission level for qualifying hybrid vehicles.
Background
In 2008 a scheme which offered discounted parking for vehicles which have a reduced impact on the environment was introduced. (MD-T-2008-0004 refers). From that time normal engine vehicles that conform to band A CO2 emissions and recognised hybrid vehicles which conform to band A and band B CO2 emissions were able to use parking scratch cards or parking season tickets which have been bought at a 50% discount in conjunction with a green badge identifier being displayed.
At the time MD-T-2008-004 was written, vehicle emissions comparison based on the CO2 emissions in grams per kilometre were banded in groups of A through to G with A being the lowest by the UK Government. Manufacturers are required to publish CO2 emissions values for all vehicles intended for the European and UK markets based on this banding. Band A indicated the emissions are up to and including 100 gram per kilometre and band B indicated the emissions are from 101 up to 120 gram per kilometre of CO2 emission.
This banding has since been revised and expanded with Band B running from 101 to 110 gCO2 per km and Band C running from 110 to 120g CO2 per km.
Discussion
The Sustainable Transport Policy passed by the States of Jersey recognises the benefits of this scheme and encourages its promotion. An Amendment was passed during the debate which added the riding factor of the use of smaller environmentally friendly vehicles being included in the Policy
Since the scheme was introduced, motor manufacturers have improved hybrid technology so more vehicles which conform to the former band B CO2 emissions are being produced with larger engine and body size. At the time MD-T-2008-0004 was drafted only 6 models of vehicles met the requirements for discount parking. There are now over 200 vehicles manufactured, normal and hybrid, which conform with band A CO2 emissions which demonstrates the improvements being made in technology.
In order to comply with the Amendment to the Sustainable Transport Policy and the original intent of the scheme it is proposed to change the qualification for recognised hybrid vehicles so that only vehicles which conform to band A CO2 emissions that are registered in Jersey after 01 July 2012 will qualify. Any hybrid vehicle registered in Jersey before 01 July 2012 that conforms to the former band B CO2 emissions would still qualify for this scheme. The date of 01 July 2012 has been recommended so that motorists who are considering ordering a new vehicle will have sufficient notice of the change to take this into account when making their buying choice.
Conclusion
Subsequent to MD-T-2008-0004, and as expected, manufacturers have reacted to the challenge of producing vehicles which will make a difference to the local and global environment by making a wider range of low emission vehicles available.
The proposed change would still encourage the use of vehicles which have a potential to have a reduced impact on the environment and would ensure the relevant aspects of the Sustainable Transport Policy are adopted. With recognised hybrid vehicles that are registered in Jersey prior to 01 July 2012 still qualifying under the original criteria, existing owners would not be penalised by the change.
Recommendation
The Minister is recommended to approve this change to the discounted parking scheme to limit recognised hybrid vehicles registered in Jersey after 01 July 2012 that conform to band A CO2 emissions, while displaying a green badge identifier, to use parking scratch cards or parking season tickets which have been bought at a 50% discount. Recognised hybrid vehicles registered in Jersey before 01 July 2012 that conform to the previous band B CO2 emissions would still qualify for the scheme.
Reason(s) for Decisions
To continue to encourage the use of vehicles which are of benefit to the local and global environment, in a manner which is cost neutral and straightforward to implement and police.
Resource Implications
Law drafting time. Transport and Technical Services Department JEP Gazette insert £100
Action Required
Officers to instruct the Law Draftsman to prepare the necessary Amendment to the Road Traffic (Public Parking Places – Charges) (Jersey) Order 2010 for subsequent submission to the Minister.
Written by: Assistant Manager – Parking Control
Approved by: Director of Transport