Parking charges based on the length of a car are to be introduced for the first time, amid claims that they will discriminate against both large vehicles with low emissions and families.

Norwich City Council will be the first local authority to implement the controversial measure when its new parking permits are issued this year.

The move away from flat-fee permits will penalise drivers who own vehicles more than 4.45 metres (14½ft) in length, such as the Vauxhall Vectra.

Brian Morrey, vice-chairman of the Norwich Highways Agency Committee, a joint initiative between the city council and Norfolk County Council, said: “We want to encourage more people to drive smaller cars. It is far more environmentally friendly and would also generate more parking space on the roads.”

But motoring organisations said that the measure was meaningless and would fail to discriminate between eco-friendly cars and gas-guzzlers. NCP, the traffic enforcement company, insisted that the plan was flawed. A spokesman said: “What if you drive a Toyota Prius, which is quite a big car, but has very low emissions, or a large electric vehicle? Would you have to pay more too?”

Under the terms of the scheme, drivers with cars measuring more than 4.45 metres would pay an annual parking charge of £30, nearly double their current tariff of £16.

Models less than 3.92 metres – such as a Vauxhall Corsa – would still pay the annual fee of £16. Drivers of cars measuring between 3.92 metres and 4.45 metres in length would see their yearly parking permit charges rise from £16 to £22.

A spokesman for the RAC Foundation said: “This new system will discriminate against families with children, who are more likely to drive longer vehicles like estate cars.”

The change to the new scheme will cost about £36,000, with funding coming from the EU Civitas project. The council is certain to collect more money from permits once the initiative has been introduced across the area.

Norwich City Council said it believed that “other local authorities are likely to look very closely at this scheme, which makes parking more efficient and addresses environmental issues”.

A spokesman for the Local Government Association said: “Councils will be watching with great interest to see how well this scheme works. Councils will continue to pilot schemes that improve air quality in city centres and help to tackle pollution.”

Richmond, southwest London, was the first to push through a £300 levy on gas-guzzlers and 4x4s last year. Other authorities followed suit, including Hackney, in East London, which penalises residents who own cars with large engines. These schemes are being watched closely by other cities where parking space is at a premium.

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