In London, Gas Guzzlers To Pay More for Parking

LONDON — Residents of a London suburb will soon pay annual parking fees based on how much carbon dioxide their cars emit, penalizing owners of gas guzzlers. Officials in Richmond, Surrey, agreed Monday to levy a sliding scale of charges based on emissions, meaning the biggest polluters will pay $590 a year for a permit to park.

The charges, to come into force in May, have sparked debate between environmental groups claiming a victory against pollution and car owners alleging unfair treatment.

"For our council, this is just the first step in a long process that will see us bring forward policies to move our borough and council to lower carbon emissions," said Serge Lourie, leader of the Richmond Council."