Petrol and diesel drivers dealt major blow as double charges confirmed to begin within days

The new rates will apply to street pay and display parking and residents' parking permits, affecting motorists across the town centre, surrounding central areas and out-of-town locations.

The council explained that the scheme has been designed to discourage the use of more polluting vehicles and promote the uptake of electric vehicles.

In a statement, the authority said: "The scheme is part of the council's drive to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality in Reading for the health and well-being of residents."

Under the new system, drivers will be charged according to a sliding scale based on their vehicle's carbon dioxide output.

The council confirmed that vehicles would be charged based on emissions ratings, starting from 151g of CO2 per kilometre.

Vehicles producing emissions below that threshold will see no increase, while charges rise progressively for petrol and diesel vehicles producing higher levels of CO2.

The council said: "We anticipate around 50 per cent of cars will fall into the lowest category and will see no change, and that a further 25 per cent will fall into the first band and face a small increase."

For inner central tariff areas, petrol vehicles producing 151-170g/km will now pay £1.20 for 20 minutes, rising to £6 for one hour.

Drivers in the highest emissions band over 255g/km will be required to pay £2 for 20 minutes and £6 for one hour, increasing to £18 for three hours.

But a driver parking for two hours in the inner central zone will pay £7.20 in the lowest charged emissions band, but £12 if their vehicle produces more than 255g/km of CO2.

In outer central areas, a petrol car producing 151–170g/km will be charged £1.20 for 30 minutes and £1.80 for one hour.

The most polluting vehicles will pay £2 for 30 minutes and £3 for one hour, with a maximum charge of £24 for stays exceeding one hour.

Electric and hybrid vehicles will still be required to pay for parking, but will be charged at lower rates than petrol or diesel vehicles with higher emissions.

However, the council confirmed the charges will not apply to off-street parking, including parking at private homes, as well as council car parks or visitor permits.

Motorists will be required to enter their vehicle registration number when paying at new machines or via the pay-by-phone system, with charges calculated automatically using DVLA data.

According to the council, the changes are not meant to be punishing but are intended to influence long-term behaviour and promote cleaner driving habits.

The council added: "It is not expected that these changes will change people's choices overnight. They are designed to encourage people to think about their choices when purchasing a new vehicle or making a short journey."

The policy was approved by councillors last November and forms part of the authority's wider ambition to become carbon neutral by 2030.