PLANS for only the drivers of ultra low emissions vehicles to qualify for 50 per cent off parking permits have been criticised by a Green Party councillor because they “hit owners of older cars”.

Cllr Andy D’Agorne said the scheme is a “backdoor” way of making more money from drivers.

The council currently charges less for residents’ parking permits and parking season tickets for cars producing less than 120g/km of CO2.

But at a meeting on Thursday, the council’s executive member for transport Cllr Peter Dew will be asked to change the threshold so that only ultra low emissions vehicles, producing 75g/km or less of CO2, qualify for a 50 per cent discount.

Leader of the Green Group in York Cllr Andy D’Agorne said: “This is a backdoor way of increasing income from Respark permits, hitting owners of older cars already hit by the government tax changes and reducing the proportion of car owners who qualify for a discount.

“If approved, the £55,000 raised should be put towards lowering the overall charge for permits.”

If approved, the change would affect about 1,100 people with discounted residents’ parking permits and 200 with reduced season tickets. It would come into force from April 2019.

Cllr Peter Dew said: “Whilst air quality has improved in York over the last seven years, we know there is still more to be done. Introducing these new changes will encourage residents and visitors to use vehicles which have a lower environmental impact.”

Cllr Andrew Waller, executive member for environment, said it is crucial for the council to improve air quality and reduce pollution.