Radio host Danny Baker slams car park's list of 130 different charges based on C02 emissions


Radio host Danny Baker slams car park’s list of 130 different charges as council requires drivers to calculate cost of a ticket based on Euro 6 emissions standards

  • Baker took the photo of notice in Blackheath, south-east London
  • The sign has 130 rates based on whether the vehicle is Euro 6 compliant 
  • Compliant vehicles are charged much lower rates than those emitting more CO2


It’s supposed to let motorists know how much they have to pay to park.

But one council’s new tariff scheme – with 130 different price options – appears to be a textbook demonstration of red tape designed to confuse and annoy drivers rather than help them.

It was highlighted by TV and radio presenter Danny Baker who tweeted a photo of a notice at a car park in Blackheath, south-east London, where motorists are required to calculate the cost of their ticket based on Euro 6 emissions standards.

The sign has 130 rates based on whether the vehicle is Euro 6 compliant, which tax band it falls into and the duration of the stay.

Compliant vehicles are charged much lower rates than those emitting more CO2 per kilometre.

Baker, 64, told his online followers: ‘Went to park up in the same little car park I’ve used near me for 25 years.

‘Excited to see the council have introduced a streamlined E-Z new payment system that in no way suggests they have too much time on their hands these days.’

One council's new tariff scheme – with 130 different price options – appears to be a textbook demonstration of red tape designed to confuse and annoy drivers rather than help them. It was highlighted by TV and radio presenter Danny Baker who tweeted a photo of a notice at a car park in Blackheath, south-east London

One council’s new tariff scheme – with 130 different price options – appears to be a textbook demonstration of red tape designed to confuse and annoy drivers rather than help them. It was highlighted by TV and radio presenter Danny Baker who tweeted a photo of a notice at a car park in Blackheath, south-east London 

He added: ‘Those of us worried what WW3 would do for global emissions can rest easy. Lewisham Council’s exciting new tariffs… will offset all that.’

Twitter users backed the outspoken comic, who controversially wished cancer on Lewisham Council officials in 2017 after they announced plans to relocate Millwall Football Club.

Graham Cope said of the list of charges: ‘Well that’s clear as mud. Seriously, who knows the grading of their own car as suggested?’

Daniel Rowe added: ‘Total madness. I have no idea what band and compliance my car is.’

Others questioned why vehicles should be charged more based on emissions when their engines aren’t running in a car park. 

Daz Reeves said: ‘What are the emission levels of a parked car? Also, reads to me that the more money you have, the less you have to pay. That’s modern society for you.’

Motorists are required to calculate the cost of their ticket based on Euro 6 emissions standards. The sign has 130 rates based on whether the vehicle is Euro 6 compliant, which tax band it falls into and the duration of the stay

Motorists are required to calculate the cost of their ticket based on Euro 6 emissions standards. The sign has 130 rates based on whether the vehicle is Euro 6 compliant, which tax band it falls into and the duration of the stay

The European emission standards were introduced in 1993 to help measure and control the environmental impact of new cars.

Any that go on sale in Europe are required to meet the latest standard, known as Euro 6.

Labour-run Lewisham’s emissions-based parking charges came into force in April 2020 in a bid to improve the borough’s air quality.

Councillor Patrick Codd said: ‘Less than half of households in Lewisham own a car, but vehicle emissions impact all of us. That’s why we’re taking strong steps to tackle air pollution in our borough by discouraging car use.

‘The introduction of short stay emissions-based parking means all our parking charges will be based on levels of pollution from vehicles.’

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