Taxing workplace parking

The workplace parking levy has proved to be a divisive proposal. And so the news from Nottingham – the only UK city to have adopted the idea – that it had not resulted in a reduction in traffic was understandably leapt upon by opponents.

One expert told MSPS it was believed that the growth of traffic in Nottingham had slowed as a result of the £415-a-year charge, but admitted it was “very difficult to disentangle” the effects from other factors. The Scotsman is sceptical about the Scottish Government’s proposals to allow councils to intro

duce such a levy, partly over concerns that this will essentially be a regressive tax, easily absorbed by those who would not miss just over £1 a week, while causing hardship to poorer people who have little choice but to drive to work.

Much of the modern world is built around the idea that most people have a car and that’s not going to change overnight.

However, amid concerns over air pollution, climate change and inner city congestion, it is worth exploring the pros and cons. There might be a fair way to tax workplace parking, but we remain to be convinced.