Scotland’s Transport Minister has launched a consultation with local authorities on introducing charges for people to park at work, in an attempt to encourage walking, cycling and public transport use.
The levy would see employers pay an annual fee to the council for every parking space they provide for employees, with the revenue raised supporting the local transport strategy, for example to encourage walking, cycling and public transport.
“It has never been more important to take decisive action to tackle climate change – and Scotland is leading the way by committing to reduce the number of kilometres travelled by car by 20% by 2030,” said Transport Minister Graeme Dey. “
“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 more sustainable travel modes, reducing congestion and tackling harmful emissions.
“As the net revenue generated must be committed to support policies in local transport strategies, this policy is also intended to finance improvements in public or active transport, making it more attractive and thus encouraging individuals to leave their cars at home.
“Providing local authorities with discretionary powers to implement a WPL scheme supports the vision and priorities set out in our National Transport Strategy, to create a fairer, greener transport system for everyone in Scotland to share and benefit from.”
The Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 includes provisions introducing a discretionary workplace parking licensing power for local authorities. The Climate Change Plan update (CCPu) Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, laid in Parliament in May 2021, set out that a public consultation would take place in summer 2021, with regulations and guidance following in 2022.
The Act also provides for certain national exemptions from any charge, although these workplace parking places may still be required to be licensed. These exemptions include parking places reserved for Blue Badge holders, certain parking places at qualifying NHS premises, and parking places at hospices.
The consultation ends in September.
(Picture – Yay Images)
