Higher parking permit charges for gas-guzzling vehicles are to be rolled out across Barnet.

Barnet Borough Council approved plans for emissions-based parking permit charges at a council meeting last night.

Pushed through on the mayor's casting vote, along with other fees and charges, as the Conservative administration currently has no majority, the policy will charge motorists based on the amount of carbon dioxide their vehicles emit.

The lowest band, for cars that emit under 110g of carbon dioxide, will cost £30 a year, while cars emitting between 111 to 200g of the greenhouse gas will cost £40 in the middle band, with the highest band, for vehicles emitting more than 200g, costing £60 a year.

The authority estimates that around 70 per cent of previous permits will be issued to the middle band.

Owners of electric vehicles will also be able to apply for a free green permit, which previously cost £15.

A £70 charge is also to be introduced for households requiring a fourth resident parking permit.