Motorists face workplace parking charges

Under moves being made by a number of Local Councils thousands of drivers could face being charged a pound a day to park at their offices and factories. This comes as a second major city has drawn up plans for a workplace parking levy.

A number of councils across the country have floated the idea of workplace parking levies as a way of easing town centre congestion. Bristol is set to join Nottingham in imposing a pay as you park tax, with councillors ready to consider proposals in the spring.

Bristol has included proposals for the parking levy in its bid for Government backing for a £194 million “rapid bus transit” scheme. While the Government will pick up the majority of the bill, Bristol estimates that it needs to raise £27 million from local businesses on top of the £15 million the council is able to find itself. Businesses have been told this money could either be found by a business rate, which would require a referendum, or the parking levy.

APA has made it clear to Ministers that it believes that working motorists (its Members) would oppose the plans vehemently. “Drivers are already trying to cope with near record fuel prices and employers that pass on any workplace parking charge may find they are helping support the last straw.”

APA