Green group backs vehicle permit hike

A LEADING environmental group has pledged its support to city council proposals that could see large vehicles paying more for parking permits.

WWF Scotland said the introduction of the scheme would encourage residents to buy smaller and more environmentally friendly cars.

Dr Dan Barlow, head of policy at the organisation, said: "Climate change is the biggest threat we face and to avoid the worst impacts of it we need to make sure that average temperature rise stays well below 2C.

"If Scotland is to play its full and equal part in tackling climate change and help prevent global temperatures from exceeding 2°C it must reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80 per cent by 2050.

"We are aware that similar systems have been introduced elsewhere in the UK and would urge Edinburgh to move swiftly to introduce such proposals as part of a more comprehensive plan to reduce climate emissions across Edinburgh."

The council is currently consulting with the public over its proposals.

The local authority says about 66 per cent of current permit holders would pay less under the plan, 20 per cent would pay more, with 14 per cent unchanged.