A new green parking initiative is to be trialled in Warwick this Spring following the introduction of free parking permits for registered owners of fully electric vehicles in all Warwick District Council car parks.

Forming part of the council’s new car parking fees structure, which will also see charges frozen at designated ‘Park & Stride’ car parks, full details for applying for the green parking permits for electric vehicles will be released in the next few weeks.

In October last year, Warwick District Council increased its fleet of electric vehicles to six, with the new vehicles enabling the council to significantly reduce its carbon footprint, saving 7.5 equivalent tonnes of CO2 from exhaust emissions each year.

The authority is also working with partners on a number of initiatives, including more electric vehicle charging points in Council-owned off-street car parks, and the opportunity for electric bus routes.

David Norris, the council’s Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services, said: “In June 2019 our Council declared a ‘climate emergency’ in response to the need for significant and urgent action to reduce carbon emissions. The changes to our parking charges align the tariffs across our three towns and reflect our commitment to improving air quality, supporting town centre businesses and encouraging increased ownership of electric vehicles.”