Leeds City Council has introduced free parking for residents who own ultra-low emission vehicles.

The 12-month permit will allow Leeds residents to park their environmentally-friendly cars or vans for free in pay-and-display bays on the street and in pay and display bays in council run car parks.

Sales of ultra-low emission vehicles, which include doubled in 2015 but there are still relatively few on Leeds’ roads compared to petrol or diesel cars and vans.

The council hopes providing charging points and benefits such as free parking could help consumers make the choice to switch to lower emission vehicles.

Councillor Richard Lewis, executive member for regeneration, transport and planning, said: “Transport emissions are one of the biggest contributors to poor air quality so it’s really important that we provide the conditions and infrastructure that allow people to go green. 

“Drivers who’ve already made the commitment to cleaner air with a low emission vehicle will be able to benefit from free parking, subject to meeting the criteria and following normal parking rules.

“To anyone considering buying a new, green vehicle, we hope this will act an extra, small incentive."

The permit is only available to Leeds residents. The same rules on maximum stays will still apply. All other restrictions, such as yellow lines, disabled spaces and loading will apply too.

Failure to display the permit without paying the normal parking fees and contravening any other parking restrictions could result in parking tickets being issued.

Offering the free parking can be accommodated within the council’s budget.

Leeds City Council is using more green vehicles, is planning to convert its bin lorry fleet to run on greener fuel and is working on plans to build a compressed natural gas filling station.

The council is also working with partners to ensure they can access funding and support to run greener vehicles.