After years of speculation about a congestion charge for cars in Cardiff, the Labour-led council now appears set to back a workplace parking levy (WPL) instead. This scheme would see bus travel subsidised by fees charged to employers for parking spaces they provide.
What is a Workplace Parking Levy?
A WPL is an annual charge paid by certain businesses to the council based on the number of employee parking spaces. The scheme aims to encourage workers to walk, cycle, or use public transport. Money raised is ring-fenced for public transport projects like bus routes and cycle lanes.
Existing Examples and Costs
Nottingham is the only UK city with a WPL, introduced in 2011, charging £592 per space for employers with 11 or more liable places. Bristol and Oxford have also outlined plans. For Cardiff, council documents have “assumed” a cost of £750 per space for analysis, “subject to change”. Employers with 10 or fewer spaces receive a 100% discount. Exemptions include blue badge spots, emergency services, eligible NHS premises, motorcycles, delivery vehicles, and occasional visitor parking.
Revenue and Benefits
The levy is expected to raise around £10m per year, increasing transport investment funding by approximately 40%. The council prefers this option due to its “low public and business impact”, being “simpler to enact”, “faster to deliver”, and “easier to implement” with no significant infrastructure. Set-up costs are estimated between £3m and £5m, with low operating costs.
Next Steps
The levy, along with a congestion charge and a ‘do nothing’ alternative, will be part of a consultation for residents and businesses this summer, pending a council cabinet meeting on July 16.
