The free 12-month permit can be used in pay and display bays on the street and in pay and display bays in council run car parks. Only vehicles recognised by the Department for Transport for the plugged in grant scheme will qualify for the permit, which will be paid for out of the council’s budget.

The council said the measure is intended to help drivers switch to lower emission vehicles and improve Leeds’ air quality, and comes as the council implements more green vehicles alongside plans to convert its bin lorry fleet to run on greener fuel and to build a compressed natural gas filling station.

Councillor Richard Lewis, executive member for regeneration, transport and planning, said: “Transport emissions are one of the biggest contributors to poor air quality so it’s really important that we provide the conditions and infrastructure that allow people to go green.

“Drivers who’ve already made the commitment to cleaner air with a low emission vehicle will be able to benefit from free parking, subject to meeting the criteria and following normal parking rules.

“To anyone considering buying a new, green vehicle, we hope this will act an extra, small incentive.

“On its own, this offer isn’t going to improve Leeds’ air quality. As part of a package of measures however, it’s another step in the right direction to improving the environment and people’s health.”