A Labour-run council has announced it is to vastly increase the cost of parking permits for owners of electric cars, despite lowering the charge for petrol and diesel alternatives.

From January 13, 2025, Dover District Council will charge EV owners £105 per year for on-street parking, an increase of £65 over the current rate.

Since 2021, the council has charged electric vehicle owners less in a bid to encourage local residents to make the switch, which could help to improve air quality in the area.

However, council documents highlighted that the incentive did not lead to a higher uptake of electric car owners buying permits.

It stated: "Following the trial period for emissions-based permits it is now considered that differential charging for resident permit holders alone is insufficient to influence the public's decision-making on vehicle purchasing."

According to Dover District Council, only 20 parking permits were issued for electric vehicles at the discount rate, with a further 14 supplied for hybrid-powered cars.

As a result, the council will return to a flat rate for all vehicles of £105 per year. However, whilst this is a sharp increase for EV owners, it would be a reduction for drivers who use a petrol or diesel model.

Until now, petrol and diesel car owners have been charged £120 per year to park in the area, meaning residents will be able to save £15 per year under the new decision.

Responding to the decision, Councillor Mike Eddy, representing Deal and Walmer Town Councils, stated that the increase goes against the Government's efforts to encourage electric cars.

He added: "It's a bizarre decision and one which will make absolute peanuts for the council.

"If you're trying to encourage people to use cars which pollute the least, then increasing the charges is silly."

Currently, the Government plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel models by 2030, with buyers only able to purchase fully electric and some hybrid models after that date.

However, in order for motorists and car companies to be ready for the ban, a number of motoring experts are calling for more incentives to make EVs more affordable and attractive.

Kia UK recently urged the Government to introduce measures such as a scrappage scheme or cheaper road tax in a bid to encourage more private buyers to make the switch.