Drivers whose cars produce more emissions could pay more for their parking permits as part of a new system proposed by Harrow Council.

But those who drive more environmentally friendly cars could see their permit costs reduced.

The council launched a consultation into its parking permit scheme as part of its strategy to improve the borough’s environment and create a “fairer” system.

If approved, the new system would punish those who drive cars with higher CO2 emissions and reward those with cleaner vehicles.

Drivers of hybrid cars would also have to pay for permits – when they were previously exempt – though the council notes they will be charged “much less” than for higher-emitting vehicles.

The council believes hybrid vehicles should be subject to parking permit charges since they give off fossil fuels that can impact on the environment.

Cllr Varsha Parmar, responsible for the environment at Harrow Council, insisted 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.

And business permit users could also see the amount they pay change based on where they work as higher charges are allocated to areas of “higher economic importance”.

The consultation runs until October 18.

Visit consult.harrow.gov.uk/consult.ti/ppcharges/consultationHome to have your say.