A CALL to encourage motorists to choose cars with reduced CO2 emissions has received cross party support at East Hampshire District Council. At a full meeting of the council last Wednesday night, Liberal Democrat Adam Carew proposed that the council should offer reduced car park season ticket charges as a carrot to those driving cars which met government targets for emission levels. He said there should be 50 per cent and 75 per cent reductions for certain environmentally-friendly vehicles and free parking for those which were electric and hybrid petrol and electric. Mr Carew proposed: "This council recognises that global warming is the greatest threat which mankind faces in the near future. It acknowledges that it has a role to play in encouraging the residents of East Hampshire to play a part in addressing this problem by reducing the CO2 emissions from motor cars which are a major cause of warming." He said central government had given a lead by reducing the annual road fund licence charges for vehicles which met DVLC classifications. Leading Tory David Onslow told the meeting: "I am sure everyone agrees with this and I am totally supportive of the whole concept." Council leader Andrew Pattie added: "I support this. This is the sort of lead we should be taking."
