A Conservative member of the London Assembly has blasted proposals to increase parking fees for gas-guzzling cars as little more than a "stealth tax".

Tony Arbour said Richmond Council's plans to introduce a sliding scale of charges for residents' parking permits were simply masquerading as a green tax.

The South West London assembly member added that if the council's leaders were serious about curbing car use they should withdraw subsidies and remove the car-parking spaces they make available to council staff.

He said: "As it stands, this is just another revenue-raising exercise. Tackling harmful emissions is of utmost importance, not only in Richmond, but also across London."

The furore centres on a pilot scheme, due to be approved next month in Liberal Democrat-controlled Richmond-upon-Thames, that will see permits for owners of the most polluting vehicles to park outside their own homes rise from £100 to £300.

Owners of cleaner cars will be rewarded with a discounted permit, while drivers of electric vehicles will park for free.

Richmond council leader Serge Lourie said: "Climate change is the single greatest challenge facing the world today.

"We can no longer bury our heads in the sand and pretend that it is not happening, or that dealing with it is up to somebody else."