Smart parking meters in Madrid to punish fuel inefficient cars

Madrid will introduce smart parking meters that determine parking rates by the emission levels of cars, with the cheapest rates given to the most fuel-efficient cars.

According to The Guardian, the Spanish capital will unveil the new system from 1 July when the new rates will be based on whether a car is diesel, hybrid or electric.

“We thought it would be fair if the cars that pollute more, pay more and compensate those who use more efficient vehicles,” Elisa Barahona, Head of Madrid‘s Sustainability Division, told the British newspaper. “Particularly for those who have cars that pollute, we hope that having to pay more will make people think twice before using them.”

Diesel cars manufactured before 2001 will be hit with a 20 percent surcharge, due to their dirtier emission levels. Hybrid cars will have their parking fees discounted by 20 percent and electric cars will be able to park for free. Quieter streets will also have cheaper rates than busier streets closer to the centre.

Touted by officials as a world first, the new and complex rate table aims to reduce Madrid’s pollution levels and discourage cars from entering the centre. It hopes the new meters will help to reduce the city’s nitrogen dioxide levels that occasionally exceed more than five times the maximum European Union level.

The smart meters are one way Madrid is tackling pollution levels that have jumped more than 20 percent in 20 years, according to the World Health Organisation. Other schemes include boosting the number of electric cars and a bike sharing scheme due to be unveiled in June.