Workplace parking levies may be imposed by councils

Councils across the country are pushing ahead with plans to charge for parking at workplaces, it was disclosed last night.

Authorities including Bristol, York, Devon, Hampshire, Leeds, Bournemouth, South Somerset and Wiltshire are considering introducing levies in an effort to raise funds and cut congestion, according to The Daily Telegraph.

The news comes despite ministers pledging to end what they described as Labour's "war on motorists" within days of coming to power.

An estimated 10 million people drive to work every day, and they could potentially face fees of hundreds of pounds a year each.

Nottingham City Council is due to be the first council to impose a levy, with all employers offering more than 11 spaces for staff charged £250 for each one. It will be up to companies whether they pass the cost on.

In London, a number of councils are said to be attending a seminar next month that has a workplace parking levy on the agenda.

Hilary Holden, an analyst with the planning consultancy Arup, said the Government's squeeze on town hall budgets was pushing parking levies "way up the agenda".

"Based on Nottingham it would probably work out at about £1 a day. Whether companies would pass the cost on to their staff may vary," she told the Telegraph. "This may not change behaviour but could raise money for public transport."