Workplace parking levy in city unlikely
A CHARGE on company car parking spaces is unlikely to be introduced in Bristol any time soon following a city council vote.
The Greens tabled a motion calling for a workplace parking levy, saying the scheme in Nottingham – the only one in the country – has doubled the tram network, ploughed millions of pounds into public transport and improved air quality.
But an amendment by Labour at a full council meeting on Tuesday night removing the requirement for Bristol City Council to bring it in was backed by the Conservatives after both parties criticised the fees as a “tax” that firms could pass on to staff.
The watered-down proposal said it would be “negligent” of the local authority to introduce it without knowing how much it would raise and that an appraisal report should be produced before any decisions are even considered.
Members initially voted by a single vote, 33-32, in favour of the amendment, with the Lib Dems joining Greens to oppose it, before it was approved unanimously as the replacement main motion.
Green councillor David Wilcox, who proposed the original idea, said afterwards: “I’m really disappointed that Labour and Conservatives voted to weaken our motion, which would use a levy on large businesses’ staff parking to fund transport upgrades our city desperately needs. By amending our motion to refer action back to the administration, I’m afraid that this fantastic policy could be kicked down the road.”
Green councillor Tim Wye said: “We supported the amended motion in the end as despite Labour’s motion undermining it, it still calls for the administration to report back to full council on the appraisal reports findings and hopefully produce a delivery timetable. So I’m pleased that this motion has put the matter firmly on the agenda.”
Labour cabinet member for transport Cllr Don Alexander told the City Hall meeting: “We are tabling this amendment because it would be wrong to commit to a tax rise in a public forum without consulting the public or knowing the costs or benefits.”
He said teachers were charged £428 a year under Nottingham’s scheme, while care home workers could also face the fees.
Tory councillor Geoff Gollop said it would be a tax that would “punish” businesses and force them out of the city.
“If we follow this policy, we will end up with fewer jobs in Bristol and more jobs in our neighbouring authorities,” he told members.