To help increase the adoption of zero-emission vehicles, the City of Vancouver is considering an annual pollution charge for new gas-powered vehicles.
The new annual fee is being considered as part of the city’s Climate Emergency Parking Program. If the proposal is approved, “sporty sedans” and small SUVs would be considered as “moderately polluting” vehicles and face a fee of $500 per year.
That fee doubles to $1,000 per year for “high polluting” vehicles like luxury sports cars, large SUVs and full-size pickup trucks.
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Cars built before model year 2023 would be exempt from any additional fees. Electric vehicles (EVs), hybrids, and most economy vehicles built in model year 2023 or after would also be exempt.
The City arrived at the new fee structure after surveying local residents who made it clear that climate change was a major concern.
“When we [first] surveyed people in the first round of engagement we heard really, really clearly that Vancouverites care about climate change. Ninety per cent of the people who answered our survey cared about climate change,” said Paul Storer, the city’s director of transportation told CBC News.
Revenue generated from the fees, along with others being considered for overnight parking permits, would be used to fund initiatives outlined in the City’s Climate Emergency Action Plan. These includes items such as building EV charging stations, adding trees and green spaces, and converting buildings from natural gas to renewable energy.
The public can provide feedback on the proposal by taking this survey before July 5, 2021.
