About the referendum
About the proposed scheme
About voting
Why is the council proposing these changes?
The council is committed to making Islington a greener, cleaner and safer place, not only for the people who live here now, but also for people who will live here in the future. Climate Change is one of the greatest environmental challenges facing our planet today. Unless we act now to reduce the problem, temperatures in London could rise by up to 8°C by 2080.
Some people feel that there is nothing we can do here in Islington that will have an impact on a huge global problem. However, Islington produces more CO2 than some small countries.
The council is not facing this challenge alone. Many organisations within the borough have joined Islington’s Climate Change Partnership and agreed to cut their emissions by 15 percent by 2010. Earlier this year, the council established a £3 million Climate Change Fund. This will fund projects to reduce CO2 emissions in Islington. Over 1,100 residents have contributed their council tax discount to this fund.
Why hold a referendum?
Cars are an everyday aspect of many people's lives and the green parking permit charges are bound to have supporters and opponents. How we, as a community, decide to tackle climate change is important. The council is as committed to listening to its residents as it is to reducing the levels of CO2. As such we believe it is vitally important to understand what residents think about our proposal before we decide whether or not to go ahead with it.
How can I influence the council’s decision on these changes?
Simple – use your vote. Voting closes at 12noon on 25 June. Every vote will be counted and the results of the ballot will help us decide whether or not to introduce the green parking charges.
What will happen after the referendum?
The results of the referendum will be reported at the council’s Executive meeting on 5 July 2007. This is a public meeting. At that meeting, the Executive will decide whether or not to introduce the proposed charges. We will publicise the results of the referendum via the local media, on the council's website, and in the August edition of IslingtonNow.
If the scheme goes ahead, how quickly will we see changes?
If proposed charges are to be introduced, we would hope to implement them on 1 September 2007. You will be able to use your existing permit until the time comes when you usually need to renew it, at which point the new charges would apply.
How will you know if the scheme has been successful?
We will monitor the scheme to determine whether there has been any changes to the number of permits issued within each band.
Will a referendum be required to make further changes to the scheme?
We have chosen to carry out a referendum to seek views on the possible introduction of the scheme. We would not intend to carry out a referendum on any further changes to the scheme. Although there would be proper consultation on any significant changes.
Are there any other environmental improvements in the pipeline?
Islington Council is already a leader in reducing carbon emissions. In 2006 the council won a Carbon Trust award for its plans to manage carbon dioxide emissions from its estate.
Environmental improvements include:
I own a car, how will these changes affect me?
It depends on which band your car falls into. A table outlining the new bands is available here (see the link to What Will the Charges Be on the right of this page).
How do I find out my engine cylinder capacity or CO2 emissions?
Your vehicle registration document (V5), issued by the DVLA, gives details of both your engine size and CO2 emissions in section four. Alternatively you can go to the DVLA website (please see the link on the right of this page) - click on vehicle enquiry and type in your vehicle registration number and make.
You can also find the details for your make and model of vehicle on the Vehicle Certification Agency website (see the link on the right of this page).
Why are there two banding systems?
The DVLA system only relates to vehicles registered on or after 1 March 2001. We need a second system to estimate charges for vehicles registered before that date. Over time, the need for this second system will diminish. As far as we can, we have tried to ensure that the two banding systems are equivalent to each other. For example, it is estimated that a third of the post-2001 vehicles are in bands F and G, and a third of the pre-2001 vehicles have engine sizes of above 1851cc.
The DVLA band G only applies to vehicles registered on or after 23 March
2006. Is this the case with your proposed charges?
No. With our
proposals, any vehicle registered on or after 1 March 2001 with CO2 emissions
over 225g/km would fall into the G band (along with vehicles with an engine
size of 2501cc and above where registration has taken place before this time).
I own more than one vehicle – how will this affect me?
The price of your permit will be based on the most polluting vehicle registered on that permit.
Does this affect charges for other permits such as business permits?
No. There are no proposals to change the charges for these permits at present.
I have a motorbike – does this affect me?
No. You will continue to be able to buy a motorbike permit for £35.
I have a disabled persons blue badge – will this affect me?
No. Motorists entitled to blue badges will continue to receive free parking regardless of their vehicle.
I have a company car, and have no details of the engine size. How will I get a permit?
In order to buy a permit, you will be expected to obtain a copy a of the V5 document from your company. If you are unable to obtain this document, your permit will be priced, based either on the known engine size, or on the CO2 emission, as listed on the DVLA website.
Will I be able to buy permits for one, three or six month periods?
Yes. The charges will be pro-rata with an administration charge for smaller periods. However we will no longer be selling a two-month permit.
How can you promote a zero cost fee for band A, if you do not provide on-street charging facilities?
Many vehicles are charged at home but we are trialling the installation of street charging points, and will eventually roll these out across the borough.
To find out how to vote, see the How to Vote link on the left of this page.
What do I do if I lose my ballot pack?
If you have misplaced your ballot pack or want more information, please contact Electoral Reform Services on 020 In 020 8889 9203 (Weekdays 9am-5pm) or email customerservices@electoralreform.co.uk.
Page Last Updated: 31 October 2008