Low emission vehicle scheme
From May 2025 we will no longer be accepting new applications into this scheme. Whilst measures such as discounted parking and free charging were appropriate to encourage early adopters when electric vehicles were in their infancy, as an increasing portion of the UK car fleet is becoming electric, we believe electric car drivers should be paying the standard cost of parking and for any charging they do on campus. We will be gradually phasing out the scheme for existing users with complete closure by May 2028.
To support staff in transitioning to electric vehicles, we will be introducing a new Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme, which will be available on the staff benefits page once it goes live.
Frequently asked questions about the scheme:
1. What are the discounts and criteria for eligibility?
Any new staff applicants between now and May 2025 will receive a 37.5% discount for ULEVs that emit less than 50g of CO2/km. From May 2025 we will no longer be accepting new applications.
After May 2025, existing permit holders who are already receiving a discount will continue to be part of the scheme and current rules will still apply. However, there will be a phased withdrawal of the discount from 50% to 0 over 3 years as we wind the scheme down.
|
Dates |
Discount |
|
May 25 - April 26 |
37.5% |
|
May 26 – April 27 |
25% |
|
May 27 – April 28 |
12.5% |
|
May 28 |
0% |
The easiest way to check your car is to take a look at the V5 Certificate that all vehicles have (often referred to as the logbook), or input your car details here to find out if yours is eligible: www.gov.uk/co2-and-vehicle-tax-tools.
Frequently asked questions about the scheme:
1. What if an ultra low emitting vehicle is not practical or I cannot afford to change cars?
Nothing – your permit charges will continue as per the hourly rate banded by Grade.
2. What if I use more than one car to get to work?
Unfortunately you are not eligible for the scheme if you regularly use more than one vehicle to travel to work.
If you, however, use a ULEV virtually all the time (apart from when having a car fixed or serviced, for example) you can take part but you must inform the Car Park Office of a temporary vehicle change to avoid being in breach of scheme rules (see Q8).
3. Will my hourly pay as you go rate change?
Yes. Your payment will be altered by the appropriate discount for the duration (provided a V5C is submitted annually).
4. Can I take part if I am not a University staff member?
Unfortunately the scheme is only open to University staff members with pay as you go permits.
5. How do I take part?
Take your V5 Certificate and your staff ID to the Car Park Office, G.002 Beyer Building (number 49 on the campus map; access via the Old Quadrangle), before May 2025.
A copy of your V5 Certificate will be taken and held on file and you will have to sign a declaration.
If you lease your vehicle and don't have a V5 Certificate, you can simply bring in your lease document(s) - as long as they contain your name and address that should be fine.
If it is in, for example, your spouse's name, that’s no problem either – as long as you bring your driving licence as well as the lease document(s) to verify that your address is the same address the car is leased to.
6. What if I don’t comply with the scheme rules?
As outlined in the declaration, failure to comply may result in one or more of the following:
A. Permanent withdrawal/cancellation of any discount and ineligibility to apply for any future discount schemes;
B. Cancellation of parking permit with re-entry to the bottom of the waiting list;
C. Disciplinary action.
7. Once on the scheme, what happens if I change my vehicle?
As outlined in the declaration, you must inform the Car Park Office. Failure to do so may result in the sanctions outlined in question 7. Once you update your details the discount may no longer apply if your new car isn’t a ULEV.
8. What else do I need to know?
Once per year you will need to come in again to provide your V5 Certificate. We will contact you by email to let you know when your renewal is due. Discounts will be adjusted every May in accordance with the planned phased withdrawal of the scheme.
There are monitoring questions on the declaration. These will be used to understand the success of the scheme in terms of encouraging a switch to lower carbon cars and may be used for carbon calculations.
9. Why has the University implemented this?
Whilst measures such as discounted parking and free charging were appropriate to encourage early adopters when electric vehicles were in their infancy, as an increasing portion of the UK car fleet is becoming electric, we believe electric car drivers should be paying the standard cost of parking and for any charging they do on campus. This decision is made particularly because we know some colleagues cannot currently afford electric vehicles. Our new salary sacrifice scheme will become the primary way that we support greater adoption of electric vehicles.
For further information on the EV salary sacrifice scheme visit the staff benefits page.
Find out more information about the University's sustainable travel initiatives.
10. How can the University support me with alternative, more sustainable, methods of travel?
The University is committed to supporting sustainable travel and offers a wide range of benefits, rewards, and incentives to encourage you to leave the car at home. Whether you’re considering public transport or getting active by walking, running, or wheeling your way to campus, there’s something for everyone! Find out more here.
We are currently offering these limited trials exclusively to active car parking permit holders, for more details, contact es@manchester.ac.uk.
- Try the Tram: Qualify for a free 28-day all-zones tram ticket. The perfect opportunity to experience hassle-free tram travel.
- Try the Train: Qualify for a free monthly season train ticket. Plus, participants in the trial will be entered into a prize draw to win a free annual season ticket!
- Try the Bike: All staff can enjoy a free 100-minute electric bike hire trial bundle with Starling Bank Bikes. This limited-time offer is a great way to give cycling a go!
Live too far away? Combine driving with active travel or public transport, for example park and ride, for a more sustainable way to get to work.
11. I have a query which is not answered here; who can I ask?
Please email lev@manchester.ac.uk / carparking@manchester.ac.uk