Reading Drivers Face Higher Parking Fees For Polluting Cars

Drivers in Reading, England, are about to see a significant change in how much they pay for parking, as the town prepares to roll out new emission-based charges starting Monday, February 2, 2026. The move, announced by Reading Borough Council on January 23, 2026, is designed to tackle carbon emissions and improve air quality, marking a major step in the local authority’s ongoing efforts to protect the health and wellbeing of its residents. The new rules will affect on-street pay-and-display parking as well as residents’ parking permits, but not off-street parking at private homes.

So, what’s changing? In a nutshell, the cost of parking will now depend on how much carbon dioxide your vehicle emits per kilometer. The council is introducing a sliding scale of charges, with the threshold for increased fees starting at 151 grams of CO₂ per kilometer. Vehicles that emit less than this amount—about 50 percent of those on Reading’s roads, according to council estimates—will see no increase in their parking costs. Another 25 percent of vehicles, falling into the next emissions band, will face only a slight hike in fees. The remaining higher-emission vehicles, particularly petrol and diesel models exceeding the 151g/km mark, will see the most significant increases.

According to the council’s Facebook post, “The charges are part of the Council’s drive to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality in Reading for the health and wellbeing of residents.” The council further explained, “There will be a sliding scale of charges based on the vehicle’s emission rating, starting at 151g/km (grams per kilometre). We anticipate around 50 per cent of cars will fall into the lowest category and will see no change, and that a further 25 per cent will fall into the first band and face a small increase.”

It’s important to note that this new charging framework was approved by the council’s policy committee back in November 2025. The council’s decision has been widely publicized, with local news outlets such as the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) and Express highlighting the details and implications for drivers across the town.

The system sorts vehicles—including cars and vans—into six emission groups: 0-150g/km, 151-170g/km, 171-190g/km, 191-225g/km, 226-255g/km, and over 255g/km. Electric, hybrid, and other low-emission vehicles will still be subject to parking fees, but these will be lower than those for higher-polluting vehicles. Only petrol or diesel vehicles producing more than 151g/km of CO₂ will see their parking charges go up. For those unsure about their vehicle’s emissions, the council recommends checking the DVLA website, where entering a registration number will reveal the relevant figures.

For residents, the practical impact of these changes will depend on the type of vehicle they drive. If you’re behind the wheel of an electric car or a newer, more efficient hybrid, you’ll still pay to park on Reading’s streets, but the fee will be noticeably less than if you’re driving an older petrol or diesel vehicle that emits more CO₂. The council estimates that about half of all vehicles will escape any fee increase, while another quarter will see only a marginal rise.

Off-street parking at residential properties remains untouched by the new regulations, so homeowners with private driveways or garages won’t see any change in their parking costs. The council has emphasized that the new charges are strictly for on-street pay-and-display parking and residents’ parking permits. This distinction is important, as it ensures that the policy targets public spaces where traffic congestion and air quality concerns are most acute, rather than penalizing residents for parking at home.

The sliding scale of charges is designed to encourage drivers to choose cleaner vehicles, with the hope that, over time, Reading’s streets will see a shift toward lower-emission models. The council’s messaging has been consistent: the initiative is not just about raising revenue, but about creating a healthier environment for everyone. As stated in the official announcement, “The charges are part of the Council’s drive to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality in Reading for the health and wellbeing of residents.”

Local media have reported that the new system is part of a broader trend among UK towns and cities to use economic incentives to nudge motorists toward more sustainable choices. While Reading may not be the first to introduce emission-based parking fees, its approach is notable for its clear structure and targeted application. By focusing on on-street parking and linking charges directly to emissions, the council aims to make a tangible impact on air quality without unduly burdening those who have already made the switch to greener vehicles.

Still, not everyone will welcome the changes. Petrol and diesel drivers with older, higher-emitting vehicles are likely to feel the pinch, especially those who rely on on-street parking for daily commutes or regular errands. The council has acknowledged this, but maintains that the health and environmental benefits outweigh the inconvenience. “We anticipate around 50 per cent of cars will fall into the lowest category and will see no change, and that a further 25 per cent will fall into the first band and face a small increase,” the council reiterated in its public communications.

For those concerned about where they stand, the process for checking vehicle emissions is straightforward. By visiting the DVLA website and entering a vehicle’s registration number, motorists can quickly find out which emissions band their car or van falls into. This transparency is intended to help drivers make informed decisions, whether that means budgeting for higher fees or considering a switch to a cleaner vehicle in the future.

The council’s move comes at a time of growing public awareness about the health risks associated with air pollution. Numerous studies have linked poor air quality to respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular disease, and other health problems. By targeting vehicles that contribute most to local air pollution, Reading Borough Council hopes to create a cleaner, safer environment for everyone who lives and works in the town.

As February 2 approaches, drivers across Reading are taking stock of their options. Some may grumble about the added expense, while others welcome the council’s bold step toward a greener future. One thing is clear: the new emission-based parking charges are set to make a noticeable difference on Reading’s streets—and perhaps, in the air that everyone breathes.

With the policy now officially in place, all eyes will be on Reading to see whether this local initiative can deliver the cleaner, healthier town its leaders have promised.