By KLTV Newsdesk –
Kirklees Council has launched a new and improved ‘Green One’ parking permit, which provides free and discounted parking to electric and low emission vehicles.
The Green One permit was first introduced in 2009 and provides free parking for electric vehicles and discounts for ones that are low emission, depending on how they were classified.
Ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs), as well as lower-emission vehicles (LEVs) including low emission hybrid vehicles, would receive a 50 per cent discount.
New System
Initially, the permit was restricted to specific car parks and on-street bays within Kirklees.
However, the new permit has been extended to all council-run pay and display areas.
Maximum stays will still be enforced through the use of a parking clock, similar to that used by disabled badge holders.
The new green permit lasts 12 months and remains free for fully electric vehicles.
An annual permit for ultra-low emissions, lower emission vehicles and low emissions hybrid vehicles will cost £350.
Kirklees says they are eager to be at the forefront of providing infrastructure for electric vehicles.
At present, there are 20 Rapid EV charging points in public car parks across Kirklees.
Climate Emergency Declaration
As part of their Climate Emergency Declaration and actions, Kirklees says the Green One parking permit, along with a planned significant increase in additional EV charging points across the borough, aims to encourage residents to make the switch towards electric vehicles.
Councillor Will Simpson, Cabinet Member for Culture and Greener Kirklees, Said: “We have ambitious plans to make the borough carbon neutral by 2038 and the significantly expanded Green One permit is just one way we’re supporting the decarbonisation of transport, and the people who live and work in Kirklees to be green.
“We hope that incentives like this encourage more people to drive electric vehicles.
“With a discount of up to 100% on parking in Kirklees, it really does pay to be green!”
‘Make the Switch’
Councillor Naheed Mather, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “Increased adoption of electric vehicles is essential to see the improvements in air quality outlined in our Air Quality Action Plan.
“We hope that by offering incentives such as the Green One permit, along with the infrastructure needed to enable EV adoption, it encourages residents and visitors to make the switch and reduces harmful emissions.”
Residents interested in the permit will be able to apply through Kirklees’ regular parking permit website.