Now you could pay to park at workplace

Councillors are considering a scheme which would see people having to pay to park at work.

A ‘workplace parking levy’ could affect 4,000 workplace spaces in the city.

Under the scheme, any firm with 11 or more staff parking spaces will be charged £250 a year for each, a cost which they would be free to pass onto their staff.

Milton Keynes Council officers are investigating bringing the scheme to the city after it was recommended by the Citizens’ Advisory Group on Transport (CAGoT).

Last week the Department for Transport announced that Nottingham will be the first council to see the charge for workplace parking, and that other councils could follow.

The Government says the scheme will reduce congestion and pollution, but it has received criticism from the AA for being a tax on working.

Cabinet member for transport, Cllr Alan Mallyon, said: “It came as a recommendation from CAGoT. As a result of that, officers are doing an investigation. It would have to be approved by the council and then be widely consulted on, so it wouldn’t be until at least 2011 before it moved forward.”

In Nottingham, the money raised will go towards a tram system, whereas Cllr Mallyon envisages the revenue would be spent on ‘sustainable transport’.

Rita Spada, chief executive of the Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce said: “This is another stealth tax on businesses and their employees.

“In this current economic climate where the rate of unemployment in Milton Keynes has been significant it is extremely disappointing that increased costs and a further disincentive to employment is being considered.

“Milton Keynes is not just competing in a UK or regional market for business investment, this is a global market and to retain their competitiveness all business are seriously reviewing cost effective relocations internationally.

“In order for Milton Keynes to retain its reputation as a great investment it must demonstrate its ambition, take the lead and innovate.”