ES News email The latest headlines in your inbox twice a day Monday - Friday plus breaking news updates Enter your email address Continue Please enter an email address Email address is invalid Fill out this field Email address is invalid You already have an account. Please log in Register with your social account or click here to log in I would like to receive lunchtime headlines Monday - Friday plus breaking news alerts, by email Update newsletter preferences

Parts of London face a near 300 per cent price rise for residents’ parking permits for diesel and high polluting cars.

Motorists would pay £350 for the most polluting vehicles under the proposals. Kingston council is considering bringing in the permits, which would be some of the most expensive in London.

On-street parking permits currently cost a flat-rate of £90 but under the proposals a permit for vehicles with high CO2 emissions would rise to £350 — a 288 per cent increase. There is a further surcharge for diesel and second cars.

Cabinet member for environment Hilary Gander said: “In Kingston, air pollution is estimated to contribute to the equivalent of one in 20 deaths. We want to protect the health of our residents by encouraging people to use more environmentally friendly forms of transport and [discourage] unnecessary car journeys.”

The proposals have proved unpopular with some residents who fear they would disproportionately affect people who cannot afford newer cars. As the charges will only affect cars parked on the streets, some to call them a “driveway tax” on those without a garage or parking space at their property.

"It’s a driveway tax. If you’re rich enough for a garage or driveway, then you’re fine" Kevin Davis, Tory opposition leader, Kingston

Musician Gareth John, who has a young family with two cars and would be affected, said: “It shouldn’t be that people who live in a residents parking area have to pay when people who live in a house with a drive with a massive Land Rover don’t have to. It’s such a specific group they’re targeting.”

Kevin Davis, conservative opposition leader on the council, said. “It’s a nonsense. It’s a driveway tax. If you are rich enough for a garage or driveway, then you’re fine.”

The Lib-Dem council said the payments can be made in instalments to mitigate the increase cost. It will decide on the proposals within months.

Some inner London councils already charge more for vehicles with high CO2 emissions, including Islington, Lambeth and Camden.

It comes as Mayor Sadiq Khan brings in a £12.50 daily surcharge next month for the worst polluting cars in central through the ultra low emission zone.