Cardiff Council has outlined plans to introduce a workplace parking levy (WPL) that would charge businesses up to £750 per parking space provided to staff. The scheme, which replaces a previously considered Clean Air Zone, aims to generate funding for transport projects such as bus services and cycle lanes.
Details of the Proposed Levy
Under the proposal, employers in the Welsh capital would be required to pay the charge for each parking space they offer to employees at their premises. The levy is not a charge on residents driving into the city but specifically targets workplace parking provided by businesses.
A report from Cardiff Council stated: “Having assessed the options in detail, the recommended preferred option is a Workplace Parking Levy (WPL) – a charge on employers who provide workplace parking, not a charge on residents driving in the city. It is the lowest impact option that still delivers a significant and reliable funding stream for transport improvements, every penny of which must, by law, be reinvested in transport.”
Rationale Behind the Levy
Cllr Dan De’Ath, cabinet member for climate change, strategic planning and transport, emphasised that the workplace parking levy is the council’s preferred approach. He argued that the scheme would have less impact on local residents and businesses compared to other options while still raising necessary funds for transport improvements.
De’Ath stressed that Cardiff would never be able to afford the public transport network residents deserve without introducing such a measure. He noted: “Creating a high-quality public transport system to support economic growth in Cardiff is important to the city’s future. Cardiff already has the highest level of car ownership of any UK core city, and that is putting increasing pressure on our road network.”
Reactions and Concerns
The proposal has drawn criticism from motoring groups. The AA has described the levy as a “tax on workers”. Luke Bosdet, an AA spokesperson, warned that city centre workers are among the best consumers, “feeding money into shops and services”. He added: “Undermining that source of income, because the workers are having to fork out more of their money on travel and parking means they'll have less to spend in shops - it's not very clever.”
Further details on the scheme’s implementation, including whether businesses may pass any part of the £750 charge onto staff, have yet to be released. The council is expected to face resistance as it moves forward with the controversial plan.
