Workplace parking charges ‘a key tool’ to cutting car use
The next step towards introducing charges for Scotland’s office car parks came today with the launch of a consultation on how it might work.
Transport minister Graeme Deydescribeditasa“keytool”to curbing car use as the Scottish Government seeks to reduce traffic by 20 per cent by 2030.
Councils are being offered the power to launch workplace parking licensing schemes under new legislation – and Edinburgh and Glasgow are amongthoseconsideringthem.
The proposals have been backed by environmental campaigners but opposed by Scottish Labour and business groups.
They would see employers paying an annual levy on every parking space at their premises, which they could pass onto staff and visitors. The money raised would be ring fenced for improving public transport, cycling and walking.
The scheme would not cover shoppingcentresorretailparks, but councils could choose to include schools, colleges and universities.
Other exemptions include blue badge holders’ spaces, those for healthcare workers at hospitals, and parking at hospices.
Localauthoritiesinterestedin launchingaschemewouldhave to conduct a further consultation themselves.
Theonlyukschemelaunched so far was established in Nottingham in 2012, which charges £428 a year per space. It has been regarded as successful in raising tens of millions of pounds from tram, rail and bus improvements.
Mrdeysaid:“ithasneverbeen moreimportanttotakedecisive actiontotackleclimatechangeand Scotland is leading the way by committing to reduce the number of kilometres travelled by car by 20 per cent by 2030.
“Workplace parking licensing has the potential to be a key tool for local authorities to help us reach this ambitious goal, by encouraging the use of moresustainabletravelmodes, reducing congestion and tackling harmful emissions.”
Friends of the Earth Scotland welcomedthe“progressonthis new power”.
Air pollution campaigner Gavin Thomson said: “Councils badly need a range of measures to change our car-dominated transport system, and workplace parking levies have atrackrecordofbringingmuch neededinvestmenttotransport infrastructure.”