Parking levy poses no threat to employees

Madam, – I note your letters page has continued on the theme of “let’s bash the Scottish Greens for being influential”, this time around the prospect of workplace parking levies.

This is not a tax on the employees but the employers, many of whom, regrettably, do already threaten to charge their employees for parking at work.

Tories seem particularly incensed that after their demanding that the Scottish Government let councils increase their tax-raising powers they have finally allowed Scottish councils this option.

I note that the letter writers concentrate their wrath on worst case scenarios and fail to mention cases where, literally, people live a few minutes walk from work or are on bus routes.

Yet they insist on driving rather than free up spaces for fellow workers who live further away.

While our children are encouraged by schools to walk a mile a day some people seem not to realise that walking half a mile to work would not only keep their bodies healthier but help reduce pollution in our built-up areas.

Normally only major employers provide free parking spaces. The provision, upkeep and maintenance of which usually cost the company a lot of money but are considered worthwhile by them.

The greener companies already encourage the use of walking, cycling and public transport for those employees who have that option.

Elspeth Maclachlan. Perth Greens, Dunsinane Drive, Perth.