Vancouver’s proposed parking permit program seen as ‘cash grab’ by many

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – A proposed climate change parking fee in Vancouver is rubbing some drivers the wrong way.

Many are calling the proposal, which could see some people pay up to $1,000 for an annual residential parking permit, “a cash grab”.

“Ridiculous. Unaffordable city even more unfordable,” writes one social media user in response to the idea.

Vancouver considers $1,000 parking permit for new 'high-polluting' vehicles

Vancouver drivers with newer vehicles could soon be hit with as much as a $1,000 annual pollution tax to park on the street, while guests could also be forced to pay to park overnight on residential streets.

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Others say it’s just another thing that will push more people out of the city and into the suburbs.

The proposed changes are aimed at reducing pollution in Vancouver. The plan, if approved, would mean some drivers will have to pay an annual climate change tax, on top of their insurance.

The city says the tax would only apply to certain ‘high’ or ‘moderately’ polluting vehicles that are model year 2023 or newer. The idea is to encourage people to buy cleaner cars and reduce air and carbon pollution.

A proposed residential parking permit fee structure being considered by the City of Vancouver (Courtesy: City of Vancouver)

Many people, including city councillor Lisa Dominato, believe the proposed program isn’t equitable and that it won’t reduce carbon emissions, as is claimed.

Dominato says she thinks the program misses the mark, considering it doesn’t take into account vehicle owners who park off-street with a driveway or underground parking.

And while there’s been a lot of criticism since the plan was proposed, the idea isn’t being shot down by everyone.

Read more: Vancouver considers charging up to $1,000 for parking permits for some new vehicles

Some are applauding the city for doing more to address emissions. Others say the model is working well in other metropolitan areas.

“They are quite many (sic) cities that charge extra for downtown entry or parking and they are very lively,” reads one comment online.

“Traffic downtown is terrible all the time even during the weekend. And all the streets are clogged with people parking in the streets instead of using available parking in their houses or building,” says another social media user, referring to Vancouver’s proposal which also includes plans for a new overnight permit. “Frankly if $45 per year is going to push you over the edge maybe you shouldn’t own a car.”

The city is accepting public input until July 5.

-With files from Marcella Bernardo and Charlie Carey