Harrow Council says residents generally support proposed parking permit charges – including those that could see diesel drivers pay more.

The council asked the public for their views on the new scheme, which would punish those who drive cars with higher CO2 emissions and reward those with cleaner vehicles.

It released a series of questions covering the impact of cars on the environment, and a majority supported the proposals in each case.

If approved, drivers of previously exempt hybrid cars will also have to pay for permits – though they will be charged “much less” than for higher-emitting vehicles.

And business permit holders could also see the amount they pay change based on where they work, with higher charges in areas of “higher economic importance”.

This was supported by six business permit owners who took part in the consultation, with four disagreeing with the suggestion.

Cllr Varsha Parmar, who is responsible for the environment, insists the proposals are not a money-making scheme.

She said: “This is not about increasing overall revenue from permits.

“What we are trying to do is make things fairer – right now we must hand out the most free parking permits in London.

“We want to continue to encourage residents to drive low- and zero-polluting vehicles.

“Concerns about air quality and the climate emergency remain at the forefront of our minds in this consultation and that means we’ll keep on charging extra for households with lots of cars.”

There are also plans to introduce permits for GPs, who would be able to park in specially marked bays outside surgeries. The cost of these will also depend on the level of each car’s emissions.

There will now be a statutory consultation on the matter, which is scheduled for November. If approved, the new charges would be implemented in April 2020.