Residents in Liberal Democrat controlled Richmond have backed a council led move to charge owners of carbon dioxide-spewing overlarge cars heavier parking charges than those with greener vehicles.

The plan which could see a tripling of on-street parking charges for some owners outside their own homes was supported by a narrow majority of 49% against 39% in a local authority survey.

The proposals will now be considered by Richmond Council's Overview and Scrutiny committee on 24 January, before going to cabinet on 29 January for a final decision.

A family with two large cars could see an annual parking permit of £750 if the plan is approved by the council. But it may not mean a big increase in revenue for the council. The survey also showed some 64% would consider changing to a less polluting vehicle if the plan is approved.

Richmond Council leader, Serge Lourie acknowledged: "These proposals were always going to spark a fierce debate. We have never had any illusions about that fact.”

"Climate change is the single most important issue facing our world today,” Mr Lourie added.

Scrabble to be first out with the charges

Lambeth Council could overtake Richmond as the London borough charging the most for gas guzzling vehicles such as 4x4s to park in the area.

And such is the cross-party excitement about the policy at Lambeth Town Hall, it could be implemented quicker than in Richmond, the only other borough where similar fees are planned.

Having frozen charges for eight years, Lambeth Council wants to increase parking permits by as much as 50% for just standard vehicles, with gas-guzzling vehicles facing even higher charges.

Councillor Lib Peck, cabinet member for environment and culture on Lambeth Council, told TransportBriefing.co.uk: "We are developing policies designed to persuade people to limit non-essential car use, and to encourage people to think about how much cars pollute when they come to change their vehicle.”

"People increasingly realise the importance of preserving the environment, and we are reflecting people's concerns by leading the way in tackling climate change."

The Association of British Drivers said it considered the plans by Richmond Council a “shocking lack of environmental awareness”, claiming the energy use and emissions resulting from design, manufacture, shipping, servicing and recycling of cars are being overlooked.

ABD Environment Spokesman, Ben Adams said, “If every 4x4 in the country was taken off the roads overnight it would not be possible to detect any difference in global atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Our climate would be unaffected. This excuse for extortionate taxation is transparent; it's a blatant lifestyle tax.”