Green permits for ultra-low emission vehicles are to be scrapped after a council report claimed they had caused overcrowded roads and car parks in Sheffield city centre.

The decision was made after the ‘urgent’ issue was raised with councillors by senior transport planner Jenny Wood.

Coun Alexi Dimond said: “It is an urgent report. The level of permits has become completely unsustainable… there are now 5,802 permits but there are fewer than 1,800 council operated parking spaces in the city centre.

“The situation is actually increasing air pollution and congestion as people drive around looking for a space.”

The council will not issue new parking permits or renew existing ones from 31 July, aiming to eradicate the permits within one year.

Concerns over blue badge-holders were raised at the council meeting on April 30 as individuals with designated parking areas have been left without spaces due to the congestion.

Blue badge-holder Mark Fleming, 55, said: “There are far too many people driving through Sheffield city centre who don’t need to be. I find it difficult as a blue badge holder to park.”

Ms Wood’s report on the green scheme highlighted that parking costs are disproportionate to individuals with lower incomes or those who face barriers that may prevent them from making the transition to electrical vehicles (EVs).

An investment plan has been passed to funnel surplus income into breaking down barriers to EV ownership, with the allocation of £125,000 towards improved EV charging infrastructure.

EV-user Hayley Martine, 49, said: “There are plenty of car parks in the city centre but they are often packed. There are lots of charging points too, so charging my car isn’t a problem.”

The report brought to council suggested discouraging all motorists in Sheffield city centre and focusing on improving public transport and encouraging walking and cycling.

Public transport-user Joseph Miller, 29, said: “Parking is a nightmare in Sheffield, that’s why I use public transport to get into the city centre now. The trams and buses usually run smoothly and on-time.”