Under the new regulations set by a Labour leadership, drivers who own certain vehicles could be paying more for parking. From January 13, 2025, Dover District Council has decided to raise the annual permit fee for electric vehicle (EV) owners to £105 for on-street parking, a jump of £65 from the current rate.
In contrast, the charge for petrol and diesel vehicle permits will decrease from £120 to £105, reports Birmingham Live.
While introducing a uniform rate for most zones, EVs such as the Tesla Model Y or Nissan Leaf will incur an annual permit cost increase of 162% from January 13th, pushing the price from £40 to £105. Conversely, motorists with petrol and diesel vehicles will experience a drop in their permit costs.
Councillors have voiced their bafflement at these developments, with Cllr Nick Shread of the Dover Town Council speaking to Kent Online to express his views: “It is rather strange and shows a lack of foresight. But it is in line with government changes where electric vehicles are no longer exempt from tax, which we don’t agree with.”
Similarly, Councillor Mike Eddy, representing Deal and Walmer Town Councils, labelled the decision as peculiar, remarking that the hike in charges is counterproductive and unlikely to significantly boost council coffers: “It’s a bizarre decision and one which will make absolute peanuts for the council. If you’re trying to encourage people to use cars which pollute the least, then increasing the charges is silly.”
On social media, one user expressed their frustration, writing: “Another tax on the people who can probably least afford it. Street parking tax is literal highway robbery.”
In terms of the council’s adjustments, 185 residents will face increased charges, but 896 will pay less, and for 980 individuals, fees will remain constant after adjustment for inflation. The council has assured that there will be no further rise in parking permit costs after the 2025/26 financial year.
Drivers of these cars face £105 charge to park from next week under Labour