GREEN drivers in Southampton could be rewarded with a £900 discount on parking permits.

The city council is leading a consultation to change on-street and off-street parking fees which will see parking costs slashed for eco motorists.

The move has been hailed by Cllr Christopher Hammond, city council boss for transformation projects.

The consultation ends at the end of this month when the council analyse the results when a decision will be made on whether to push a ahead with the proposal.

Cllr Hammond said: “We are firmly committed to improving air quality in the city, which directly effects wellbeing.

“We all contribute to the problem and behavioural change is needed in order to find a solution.

“We are looking to support those who show their commitment to the environment, and offering a 90 per cent discount for parking season tickets to drivers of electric vehicles underlines this pledge.”

The city council has been working to tackle Southampton’s toxic air after it was revealed to be one of the UK’s most polluted cities.

Pollution is responsible for more than 100 deaths in Southampton each year and is estimated to cost the local NHS an annual £50 million.

Under the proposals, electric car drivers would pay £100 for a year-long Zone A residents permit - compared to the standard cost of £1,000.

This cost is reduced even further to £50 for green drivers who rent from the council or registered housing association.

A year-long evening season ticket for residents would cost £10 against the standard price of £100, and a year-long evening and weekend season ticket for residents would cost £40 compared to the standard price of £400.

Rosie Pearce, of Southampton Green Party, said: “This is good idea and I like that the council is taking measures to encourage people to drive electric cars.

“However, I know they can be quite expensive to buy and while I realise the council has to work within its means, I think the vast majority of people within Southampton will not be able to access this reward.”

Here are the roads which will be affected:

  • Albert Road South
  • Andersons Road
  • Anglesea Terrace
  • Bernard Street (east of junction with Queen’s Way)
  • Briton Street
  • Brunswick Square
  • Bugle Street
  • Canute Road
  • Castle Square
  • Castle Way and Castle Way Service Road (at the rear of 25-35 Castle Way)
  • Chantry Road
  • Chapel Road (east of railway crossing)
  • Charles Street
  • College Street
  • Duke Street
  • Endle Street
  • Elm Terrace
  • French Street
  • High Street (south of junction with Bernard Street)
  • Lower Canal Walk
  • Marsh Lane
  • Orchard Place (north of junction with Queen's Terrace)
  • Paget Street
  • Queen’s Way (south of junction with Bernard Street and Queen’s Way Service Road)
  • Richmond Street
  • Royal Crescent
  • Terminus Terrace Service Road (between Marsh Lane and Bernard Street)
  • Threefield Lane
  • Upper Bugle Street