WINCHESTER civic chiefs are considering introducing higher parking charges for more polluting vehicles.

Dirtier, older vehicles would pay more under an initiative that has been pioneered in Westminster in central London.

A six-week consultation in the summer on an 'Air Quality Surcharge' will be undertaken on how it might be done and a further report will go back to Cabinet.

Cllr Martin Tod, portfolio holder for economic recovery, said: "Finally the council is getting serious about charging and air quality."

Analysis of RingGo cashless parking reveals 40 per cent of vehicles in Winchester were older diesel vehicles.

The council is also removing free 30-minute pay and display parking in the city centre but introducing an hour's free parking in the 'Park & Walk' car parks - Chesil Street multi-storey, Cattle Market, Worthy Lane, Coach Park, River Park Leisure Centre. Durngate is owned by the county council and so not included.

The council says that will reduce the number of cars that come into the city centre looking for a free parking space, adding to congestion and pollution.

READ MORE: Winchester woman locked inside Costa for over an hour after staff head home

Cllr Tod told Cabinet: "It means if you arrive in Winchester after 5pm it is free if you park outside the Air Quality Management Area (the city centre). If you park at River Park Leisure Centre it is free after 4pm. You can take your dog for a walk for free. We are actively encouraging people to come to the centre but not go through the city centre.

"There are an awful lot of people driving around to try to find on-street spaces and then they head for a car park. It is responsible for half of the traffic in peak hours."

Cllr Tod said the measure would free up more spaces for disabled Blue Badge holders.

Season Tickets in the central zone will increase by three per cent but costs in 'Park and Walk' will be frozen and a new quarterly ticket introduced at £175 in park and ride.

Conservative councillor Michael Kurn said: "Winchester is trying to punish car drivers for coming into the city. Unfortunately we are dependent on our cars. An Air Quality Surcharge will punish drivers and harm our economy. Why do you need to introduce this now when the economy is still reviving and business need our support?"

Cllr Kelsie Learney said: "We have heard what the Conservatives always say about environmental issue, 'it's incredibly important, but', there's always a reason for not doing it at this moment in time, just delay and somehow things will sort things out."

She said less traffic would mean cleaner and safer streets that will encourage people from the High Street to visit Parchment Street, whereas currently St George's Street is a barrier.

SEE ALSO: Police called after scores of cars descend on to Winchester Sainsbury's car park 

Cllr Tod said: "The people who complain about a lack of footfall have cars going past their shops. They are the ones under pressure, the ones in the pedestrianised area are not complaining about footfall. Cutting traffic improves the experience of shoppers and makes more people want to come her to enjoy the place more."

Cabinet also heard that WiFi in city car parks is to be improved so people can always pay with their phone. RingGo is now used by more than half the users.

The council is also looking at improving the surfacing at the Garnier Road car park at the base of St Catherine's Hill.

Message from the editor

Thank you for reading this story. We really appreciate your support.

Please help us to continue bringing you all the trusted news from your area by sharing this story or by following our Facebook page.

Kimberley Barber