MSPs back Workplace Parking Levy Powers: Welcome news for climate and air pollution

Campaigners welcomed news that MSPs today (19/6/19) voted in favour of giving powers to councils to implement a Workplace Parking Levy. The Scottish Parliament’s Rural Economy and Connectivity (REC) Committee passed an amendment during Stage 2 of the Transport Bill.

The powers would allow councils to introduce a Workplace Parking Levy. A small charge would be paid by employers on each parking space and this revenue would be reinvested in sustainable transport.

A survey by the REC Committee found a majority of people supported the workplace parking levy proposals, with the most popular reasons for supporting the measure being ‘it will help reduce local air pollution’ and ‘it will encourage car commuters to switch to walking, cycling, bus or rail.’

A Workplace Parking Levy was introduced in Nottingham and applies to workplaces with more than 11 parking spaces. The charge is paid by employers, who decide whether to pass it on to staff who use the parking spaces. The revenue generated has been reinvested in public transport improvements for the city, such as contributing to a tram extension.

Gavin Thomson, Air Pollution Campaigner, Friends of the Earth Scotland said:

“Road transport was recently revealed to be Scotland’s single biggest source of climate emissions, so it is very welcome that the Committee agree that they should not continue to reinforce our current transport system that gives undue priority to the car, particularly in our towns and cities. The Scottish Government also finally admitted they will miss their 2020 cycling target by a shocking margin, more politicians must now join the dots and put in the energy and resources required into changing our transport habits.

“Our air pollution problems, climate emissions and even our sedentary lifestyles are in part due to the stranglehold the car has on how people in Scotland move around. Proportionate measures such as a Workplace Parking Levy can help Councils develop locally appropriate plans for tackling the enormous climate pollution coming from our travel choices.

“The Workplace Parking Levy has a record of delivering significant improvements to travel habits, bringing much needed investment to transport infrastructure, and creating healthier places to live and work. It is an optional power being offered to councils. It is clearly not right for every area, but city councils in Scotland dealing with congestion, insufficient resources for public transport, and illegal levels of air pollution, should now investigate how they might use these powers.”

“People should have the opportunity and freedom to travel by greener methods, to feel safe walking and cycling, and to choose public transport that is reliable and affordable. “

ENDS