No, no it won't. At least, not in large enough numbers to actually make a difference. This is the fallacy with most of these types of initiatives, including the Vehicle Duty that this scheme is based off.
If they wanted to encourage the use of lower emission cars, or public transport, then the answer is simple, put parking rates up to £20 per hour, and increase parking fines to £500. It would work, but it'll never happen. Instead, they introduce schemes like this so that they can say they are doing something, without actually having to make the hard decision about doing something that might make a difference.
Yep, that's exactly what we want, put up parking so that the town centre is a bigger ghost town than it already is. How about putting parking charges down to zero and encourage people to shop locally in the independent shops rather than tootle off to the Trafford centre to buy identikit tat.
How about we do nothing and car buyers would do the logical thing and buy low emission cars as they become economically viable.
Encouraging people to ditch their standard car is environmentally damaging as the production process causes the equivalent of 7 years emissions so those who believe they are doing their bit in buying an LEL are just adding to the problem. The most environmentally aware should hold their cars for as long as possible but ensure it's serviced regularly to ensure efficient performance
Why is it nonsense, rather than just attack those behind the scheme explain your views. To me it seems a good idea as part of a wider package.
I refer you to the above. Why not sack the parking team, allow free parking and see the increased footfall in Stockport generate business income?
Win win win long run lowering for council tax