A former Nottingham council leader has extended both advice and a cautionary note to Bristol as it considers implementing a workplace parking levy that could impact thousands of motorists. Nottingham stands as the sole city in the º£½ÇÊÓƵ to have enacted a charge on workplace parking, and a former council leader has shared his insights.
Should Bristol proceed with the workplace parking levy, it would compel most employers to pay a fee for each parking space they provide, with the proceeds earmarked for enhancements in public transport services. The introduction of such a levy might also incentivise fewer individuals to drive, potentially easing the heavy congestion in the city.
Graham Chapman, who led Nottingham City Council in the early noughties when the groundwork for a workplace parking levy was being laid, later served as deputy leader when the scheme was launched in 2012. He is now "offering some reassurance" to Bristol regarding its proposed plans.
Penning his thoughts , Mr Chapman highlighted that Nottingham's workplace parking levy slashed congestion growth by 47 per cent and played a pivotal role in broadening the city's tram network. He recounted the levy's journey from initial controversy to what he now deems an "extremely successful" outcome.
He remarked: "Despite all predictions there has been no loss of business to the city. The study also states that it has contributed to a 58 per cent reduction in carbon emissions. The original expectation was that other councils would follow in quick succession.
"Indeed, that was the concern of opponents including the Institute of Directors, the CBI, the British Chamber of Commerce, Boots, the Daily Mail and a plethora of other organisations who formed an informal alliance to try and stem the tide. To some extent it worked - the flood gates did not open and despite lots of interest, no other city, until now, has taken the leap."
Firms within Nottingham's bounds that offer over 10 parking spots for employees face a £570 charge per space from the city council—most pass on this cost to their staff. The intent behind the levy is to discourage driving whilst collecting funds for public transit improvements.
Britain hasn't seen any other city implement a workplace parking levy yet, although Bristol might soon introduce such a measure and several other local authorities are pondering a similar fee. Significantly, the Green Party featured the levy in their manifesto before seizing substantial control of Bristol City Council with the Liberal Democrats in last May's local elections.
The proposed workplace parking levy in Bristol is set to be highly contentious. Critics of the council’s current initiatives aimed at easing congestion and enhancing public transport have often spoken of a "war on drivers", expressing strong disapproval towards measures limiting car spaces and prioritising alternative modes of transport.
Both businesses and employees are grappling with additional financial burdens, from the hike in National Insurance to the escalating cost of living crisis, marked by soaring energy bills and unprecedented housing costs.
However, in Nottingham, Labour managed to expand its majority just prior to the scheme's implementation.
Mr Chapman stated: "I can offer some reassurance to Bristol and others who are considering such a scheme, and some advice which might alleviate the concerns. An absolute prerequisite is a set of politicians who will take the decision, stick by it once the difficulties begin, and be prepared to respond to the problems and concerns and not hide behind officers."
The former council leader suggested that Bristol should fund a series of transport improvements through the levy, "so those paying can see the benefits". This could encompass enhanced buses, park and ride facilities, and cycling lanes.
In Nottingham, small businesses and NHS staff are exempt, while council staff and councillors are required to pay the fee.
Some motorists don't have the option to switch to bus or train travel, and Mr Chapman acknowledged that "it's best to frankly admit it is a tax on motors". Conversely, reducing the number of drivers would help lower harmful air pollution and free up road capacity for those who continue to drive.
Initially, companies threatened to depart from Nottingham due to the workplace parking levy. However, Mr Chapman stated that none of the predicted "dire consequences" materialised, even though Boots had indicated it would.
Mr Chapman also highlighted a problem near schools and colleges where staff now frequently park on residential roads, causing "considerable low-level frustration". Solutions such as resident parking zones and new double yellow lines have been proposed to mitigate this issue.
Green Councillor Rob Bryher, who heads the influential parking task force in Bristol, assured that the advice will be "taken on board" by the council as they work out the details of a similar levy in Bristol. The task and finish group is also examining pavement parking and resident parking zones.
In a post on Bluesky, Cllr Bryher expressed his gratitude: "Massive thanks to Graham Chapman (no, not that one), the former Labour leader of Nottingham City Council, for his advice to Bristol on implementing a workplace parking levy. We'll try to take all of this on board."
Green Cllr Ed Plowden, chair of the transport policy committee, added: "Alongside Graham, we hope other councils may join in with this progressive policy."
Prior research conducted by Bristol City Council indicated that the levy could be approximately £20 per parking space, generating nearly £10 million annually and impacting around 9,000 employees. The introduction of a levy is anticipated to take a minimum of three years, due to legal obstacles the council must navigate.
Provisions could also be made for disabled people who have to drive a car.
