Parking levy plan takes next step

The charge would affect about 500 firms

A charge for motorists who park at their workplace in Nottingham is now being considered by the government.

The city council has submitted its plans to charge firms up to £350 per car per year as a way of cutting traffic and funding public transport.

Some businesses and the local chamber of commerce have said the extra expense could drive investment away.

Central government, which must give its approval before the idea can progress, will make a decision later this year.

If approved the charge, which is planned to start at £185 and then rise in stages, could be in place within two years.

Funding concern

It is hoped it would raise more than £5m in its first year.

Officials insist the benefits of an improved, tram, bus and train network will attract more businesses than the charge would deter.

Councillor Jane Urqhart said there would be bigger problems if it was not approved.

"We would clearly have to look at alternative sources of funding, one of which might be a congestion charge.

"But that is not something we want to do, it is an option we have already looked at and other options for funding we have looked at we don't want to do because, in the end, it comes down to people paying more council tax."

The council said around 500 employers with 10 or more workplace parking spaces would be liable for the levy.

Companies will have to decide whether to foot the bill themselves or pass charges on to their employees.

In May, plans for an East Midlands congestion charge were scrapped after city and county councils from Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire disagreed on a way forward.