OWNERS of gas-guzzling vehicles face higher parking permit charges from next week.

The new system will charge motorists based on the amount of carbon dioxide their vehicles emit, in an effort to improve air quality within Barnet.

It will also be entirely electronic, which means drivers who live within a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) will no longer receive paper based permits.

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. The highest band, for vehicles emitting more than 200g, will cost £60 a year.

Barnet Council predicts about 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.

The new permit system will be rolled out from next Thursday (October 15).

Councillor Dean Cohen, chairman of Barnet Council’s environment committee, said: “I am delighted the council has made these much needed improvements. From October, residents will be able to pay and park within a matter of minutes.

“I am also happy that we are taking another step in the right direction to improve air quality in the borough and, for the first time, we are offering a free permit for owners of electric cars.”

For more information and to apply for an electronic permit, visit www.barnet.gov.uk/parking