• CAMDEN Council are not putting their money where their mouth is when it comes to “the climate emergency”.

There are numerous ’18 and ’19 registration diesel Camden vans on the streets. If they are really as committed to reducing emissions why have they just spent thousands of pounds on these?

There are now several options for electric vans, there really is no excuse for Camden not to transition to fully electric vehicles.

There is a simple, tried and tested way to encourage residents and businesses to switch to electric vehicles that Camden refuses to implement.

If you wander around Westminster streets you will see numerous electric vehicles in pay and display parking bays.

The reason – with an electric vehicle you only need to pay for the first 10 minutes of parking – around 80p, then you are entitled to four hours of parking.

Camden could reduce resident parking fees to zero for electric vehicles. If they committed to that for say the next five years residents could budget in this saving, thus making the move to an electric car easier.

It is worth restating that electric vehicles are exempt from the congestion charge.

If Camden joined Westminster with its parking incentives they would create a huge zone in London where it pays to drive electric. Saving money is the best incentive for residents, businesses and visitors to switch to electric vehicles.

Combined with transitioning the Camden fleet to electric-only vehicles, would be a concrete and effective way to cut emissions; and cut air and noise pollution for all.

DAVID TURNER
NW5