Nottingham is to become the first city to introduce a workplace parking levy (WPL), designed to encourage the use of public rather than private transportation to work.
The Government has given approval for Nottingham City Council to impose tax on companies based on the number of parking places they provide. Under the scheme, any firm with more than 10 staff parking spaces will be charged £180 a year for each. Employers are free to pass the cost on to their staff if they wish.
The introduction of the charge has been delayed however until April 2012, when the national economy is expected to be healthier. Nonetheless, the charge has attracted opposition from commuters and businesses alike.
The Association of British Drivers' (ABD) Chairman Brian Gregory commented:”Britain’s 33 million drivers are sick of these endless attempts by the government to impose further taxes on hard working drivers which clearly fly in the face of democratic opinion, they are looking forward to the next general election when they can remind all political parties who think these taxes are a good idea that democracy bites back.”
The Order for the scheme to be introduced was announced by Transport Minister Sadiq Khan during a visit to Nottingham on Friday.
The cash raised from the levy will be used to fund an extension to the city's tram network, and support the £67 million redevelopment of Nottingham's railway station and maintain the Link bus network, which transports people to and from some of the city's major employers.
Nottingham Councillor Jane Urquhart said: “The fact that we have over two years before the WPL is implemented gives us the opportunity to work with businesses to help them develop more sustainable transport policies, encourage behavioural change and reduce congestion, which has a significant impact on business.
“While we welcome all of today’s news, we appreciate that there are some residents who will have concerns about the impact the new tram lines may have on them. We will ensure that all affected residents are communicated with fully throughout the entire process to minimise any further concerns and disruption.”
Environmental groups welcomed the levy as an appropriate discouragement to car use.
Commenting, Friends of the Earth’s Executive Director Andy Atkins said:”This important and welcome initiative will cut congestion, fund expansion of the local tram system and help Nottingham play its part in tackling climate change.
“Councils across the UK must get serious about global warming by committing to cut carbon dioxide emissions in their area by at least 40 per cent by 2020 - we hope more local authorities follow Nottingham’s lead and develop plans for a greener future.”
Councils in Milton Keynes, Exeter, Cambridge and Oxford are also thought to be interested in imposing WPLs.
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