Joined up thinking could make levy work

THE Workplace Parking Levy (WPL) presents major opportunities for the city as well as some challenges, as concerns about Woodside animal centre and other charities show.

The details of the proposed WPL scheme are summarised in a table on page 56 of the business case, and it’s worth a read. (It can be accessed via the city council’s website - Mailbox ed).

It proposes that spaces used by unpaid volunteers are exempt from the charge. Most charities therefore won’t need to pay anything.

However, somewhere like Woodside is really badly served by buses, despite a council subsidised service being close at hand with the park and ride service, so a loop to the Woodside industrial estate could be considered.

Leicester Green Party is aware we’ve got the park and ride service, Hospital Hopper and university hopper buses all working in Leicester in isolation.

The council should look at maximising and integrating these services too, so everyone in Leicester benefits from improved bus services.

For example, if the university hopper ran through school terms, not just university terms, college students could use it, too.

We also call on employers to use tiered charges to protect key workers, and for the council to publish guidance here.

In addition, innovative climatefriendly efforts like car shares and discounted park and ride schemes, should be enhanced.

For transport for all to improve and for congestion to ease, we need clear and bold leadership.

We need collaboration between the mayor and all of our leading public sector leaders and beyond.

Let’s grasp this amazing opportunity for our city!

Mags Lewis, Leicester Green Party,

Leicester