The policy was approved after a three-hour meeting

Richmond Council in south-west London, has said high carbon dioxide-emitting vehicles will now incur three times the normal residential parking fees.

A family with two such cars could pay up to �750 a year under the proposals, compared with a current bill of �200.

The policy was passed after a three-hour meeting on Monday night and should be in place by May.

The idea to link permits to the level of emissions generated fierce debate when the plans were published last October.

BBC London has found there are a further eight London councils considering following Richmond's move.

I am delighted Richmond Council has become the first local authority to implement this radical scheme for controlled parking zones Serge Lourie Council leader

These are Lambeth, Tower Hamlets, Camden, Kensington and Chelsea, Barking and Dagenham, Haringey, Southwark and Hackney.

Richmond council leader Serge Lourie said after Monday's meeting: "I am delighted Richmond Council has become the first local authority to implement this radical scheme for controlled parking zones.

"It means those who own cars that put out less carbon dioxide will be charge less and those that put out more, are charged more."

In a council survey, 47% of residents voted for the scheme and 39% voted against. The remainder were undecided.