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THE FUEL WHACK

Diesel drivers face triple whammy price hike in parking, pollution charges and new tax increase

The Government wants to encourage Britain's diesel drivers to switch to greener cars

DIESEL drivers faced a triple whammy of cash grabs with plans last night to charge them more for parking.

At least 15 towns and cities across England plan to charge diesel owners up to 50 per cent more than petrol cars to park on-street.

 The Government are encouraging owners of diesel vehicles to switch to greener alternatives
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The Government are encouraging owners of diesel vehicles to switch to greener alternativesCredit: Getty Images

That is on top of plans in 35 towns and cities for a £20 a day pollution fee — and an expected tax hike on diesel cars in the Autumn Budget.

Meanwhile, London Mayor Sadiq Khan is expected to announce plans that will see all diesel vehicles driving within the North and South Circular charged £12.50 a day.

 London Mayor Sadiq Khan is to announce plans to charge all diesel vehicles within the North and South Circular £12.50 a day on top of the congestion charge
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London Mayor Sadiq Khan is to announce plans to charge all diesel vehicles within the North and South Circular £12.50 a day on top of the congestion chargeCredit: Getty Images

It is set to be introduced in 2019 — and will be on top of the £11.50 congestion charge.

The Government wants to encourage Britain’s 12million diesel drivers to switch to greener cars.

But in the early 2000s they urged people to buy more diesels, claiming they were less polluting.

 Diesel drivers also face higher charges for parking
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Diesel drivers also face higher charges for parkingCredit: Alamy
 Tory MP Charlie Elphicke believes motorists should be supported in replacing their diesel cars
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Tory MP Charlie Elphicke believes motorists should be supported in replacing their diesel carsCredit: PA:Press Association Archive

Tory MP Charlie Elphicke said: “Motorists thought they were doing the right thing.

“They should be supported in replacing these cars and it would be wrong for councils to have a green light to fleece drivers for more taxes.”

 Howard Cox, of FairFuel UK, feels the hike in charges is 'unfair and dishonest'
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Howard Cox, of FairFuel UK, feels the hike in charges is 'unfair and dishonest'Credit: Fair Fuel Campaign

Howard Cox, of FairFuel UK, said: “Punishing millions of motorists for mistakes in past government policy is pathologically unfair and dishonest.”

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