Transport and Technical Services announced last month that all motorists with low-emission vehicles could enjoy 50 per cent discount off paycards and season tickets.
The Illingworths bought their Honda Civic hybrid three weeks ago, having ordered it in November, when they were unaware of the ECOFriendly permit.
‘We knew nothing about it at the time,’ said Mrs Illingworth. ‘We just bought the car because it was eco-friendly. We really liked the idea of
saving fuel and want to help the environment as much as we can.
‘Then we read in the JEP that there was going to be half-price parking for eco-friendly cars. We are very pleased with the car – and the permit is a lovely bonus. I hope it will encourage more
Islanders to buy eco-friendly cars
The scheme was introduced to encourage motorists to buy vehicles that are less harmful to the environment. A 50 per cent discount could represent a saving of £550 on annual parking charges, based on the cost of a season ticket. Vehicles which qualify for the ECOFriendly permit must have an exhaust emission that produces less than 100 gm of carbon dioxide per kilometre, or less than 120 gm for hybrid motors.
Caroline Anderson, director of Transport, said that drivers should ask their dealers to see if they are eligible for the discount. Transport have a list of cars from bands A to G, with A representing low emissions and G high.
‘The list is going to be changing all the time,’ she said. ‘There are only 20 to 30 cars that are currently registered, but we are trying to increase that number.
‘Once motorists have the permit, they can buy the half-price parking tickets from parking control at Sand Street car park.’
The list can be viewed at www.vca carfueldata.org.uk/search/search.asp.
