The introduction of a controversial new tax which charges
employees to park on company car parks is causing consternation
amongst West Midlands businesses.
A petition set up to oppose the Workplace Parking Levy (WPL) has
received the highest number of responses ever recorded. 897
West Midlands businesses have signed the British Chambers of
Commerce petition to oppose the levy which is set to be introduced
in Nottingham in 2012.
Businesses which allow employees and visitors to park on company
premises and exceed a given number of car parking spaces will be
taxed.
Simon Topman, President of West Midlands Chambers of Commerce
says: "If councils go ahead with this oppressive tax, companies and
employees will be hit hard at a time when they least need it.
The introduction of this tax will see many firms choose to
relocate out of the chargeable area or pass the substantial cost on
to their employees.
"This tax will do nothing to cut congestion but potentially
could do much to increase unemployment. The WPL will also damage
business competitiveness and reduce investment at the worst
possible economic time.
The Workplace Parking Levy is neither an effective mechanism for
tackling congestion on a large scale, nor a fair way of raising
funds for public transport improvements. It is yet another
tax for the company car driver."