Press Release

Estate parking charges go green

April 2008

From Monday 7th April Homes for Islington is introducing changes to the cost and renewal of estate parking permits. The changes take effect for all estate parking permit renewals from this date.

In 2007 Islington Council introduced green street parking permit charges that vary according to each vehicles carbon emission (Co2) rating or engine size. The system is based on the 7 Carbon Emission Bands used by the DVLA.

Following the successful running of the street permits and recent discussion with resident’s consultation panels, HFI are now introducing greener estate parking rents that vary according to a vehicle’s carbon emissions.

The new charges will be based on the Carbon Emission Rating, or Co2 band, as stated on each Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5). For vehicles that were first registered before April 2001 the Carbon Emission band will not be stated and the appropriate band will be based on the vehicles engine size, which is shown on all vehicle log books.

The cost of estate parking bays, cages or garages will be based on this rating and whether the owner is a resident or non-resident. Holders of disability parking Blue Badges are entitled to discounts of 50% or 100%, depending on the level of Disability Living Allowance that they receive.

A ready reckoner to calculate what the cost for a permit will be is available in the parking section of the HFI website www.homesforislington.org.uk

The new charges will apply from the date of issue of a new permit. Customers who already rent an estate parking facility do not need to wait for the expiry of their existing permit they can contact their Area Housing Office at any time to renew permit.

Additionally from April all new parking permits will be issued for two years rather than the current 12 months.

Doug Goldring, HFI’s Director of Operations said: “The changes being made brings estate parking into line with street parking and reflects our commitment to reduce Islington’s carbon footprint. This will mean residents on estates can now enjoy savings in parking charges for owning smaller and more efficient cars. The change will also bring benefits to residents by reducing the frequency they have to renew their permit.”

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact James Asser in the HFI communications team on 020 7527 4379 or email james.asser@homesforislington.org.uk

Notes to editors:

Homes for Islington, one of the UK’s largest arms length management organisations (ALMO), which began operations in April 2004, is charged with managing council housing stock throughout the borough. It is owned by Islington Council and managed by a Board of Directors, made up of Islington tenants and leaseholders, council representatives and independent members.