• New Clean Parking Charges to be introduced
• Initiative to help tackle poor air quality in the borough
• Residents supported to move greener transport options
Newham Council’s Cabinet this week (3 December) green lit the introduction of new Clean Air Parking Charges, a bold initiative designed to improve the borough’s air quality, protect public health, and accelerate the switch to greener transport choices.
Newham has long faced some of the poorest air quality levels in London, with residents exposed to airborne particulate matter levels a third higher than World Health Organisation guidelines, while harmful Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) concentrations exceed UK health limits for one in seven residents. Public Health England estimates that 7.5% of deaths in Newham are attributable, in part, to air pollution.
To combat this public health crisis, the Council has announced a series of measures to reduce reliance on diesel vehicles, which are major contributors to local air pollution. Diesel vehicles emit higher levels of NO₂ and PM compared to other vehicle types, yet Newham has not previously put in place specific charges for these vehicles.
Mayor of Newham, Rokhsana Fiaz OBE, said: “Newham faces a critical challenge with some of the poorest air quality in London, and the health of our residents cannot wait. The introduction of Clean Air Parking Charges is a bold and necessary step to tackle this public health crisis head-on. By incentivising greener transport choices and discouraging the use of high-polluting diesel vehicles, we are not only improving air quality but also accelerating our journey toward a cleaner, greener borough.
“These changes reflect our unwavering commitment to the health and wellbeing of our residents and to safeguarding our environment for future generations. Together, we can create a Newham where everyone can breathe cleaner air and thrive."
The new proposals also introduce a borough-wide diesel surcharge across all parking permits and products. This measure aims to reduce the number of miles driven by diesel vehicles on Newham’s roads, thereby improving air quality for all residents.
The Council’s proposals support the Just Transition Plan, a key part of its strategy to tackle the climate emergency. Transport is the UK’s largest source of carbon emissions, and the Council’s plan builds on its existing emissions-based parking charges, introduced in 2021.
The new proposals also include significantly reduced charges for electric and low-emission vehicles to reward greener choices.
These changes ensure that residents and visitors to Newham are encouraged to adopt environmentally friendly transport, contributing to both cleaner air and reduced CO₂ emissions.
Parking charges are not used as a revenue-generating tool, as this is strictly prohibited by law. Income from parking is ring-fenced under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and used to support sustainable transport policies, including school crossing patrols, road maintenance and environmental improvements.
You can read more about the proposals here.
