Drivers risk being slapped with new £1,250 parking charge under plans backed by Andy Burnham

Millions of drivers across the country could be slapped with yet another motoring tax under new parking rules put forward by several councils, which have previously been backed by Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

Cardiff has become the latest council to support a Workplace Parking Levy scheme after rejecting calls for a congestion charge across the city.

In a bid to crack down on traffic and improve bus services, the council had considered a congestion charge, but has ultimately decided to move forward with a WPL.

This will see businesses charged for parking spaces on their premises, which has already become a popular option for councils across the UK.

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Nottingham introduced its Workplace Parking Levy in 2012 and has already raised more than £90million, prompting more than £1billion in investment.

In the East Midlands city, workplaces that provide parking places to their employees are legally obliged to pay the WPL if they have more than 11 spaces.

The council confirmed that the cost per workplace parking place for 2026/2027 is £592 for employers and generally increases in line with the Retail Price Index.

While VAT is not payable on the WPL, employers that pass the additional costs onto their employees will be subject to VAT.

Concerns have been raised that businesses will pass the cost of the WPL onto their employees or customers, further adding to the cost of motoring.

Bristol City Council is also considering introducing a WPL that could see charges range from £600 to £1,250 per space every year.

The Green-led council is expected to launch a consultation on the plans later this year, with drivers likely able to provide feedback on costs, charging areas and more.

If the maximum £1,250 charge were to be introduced, motorists could face an effective charge of £5.43 every working day.

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A Workplace Parking Levy requires approval from the Department for Transport before it can be introduced and begin charging.

Oxfordshire County Council could also launch new measures for workplaces in 2028, with expectations that "a revised programme for further engagement is currently being prepared" this summer.

Reports from the Mail claim that new Prime Minister Andy Burnham backed such proposals in unearthed comments from 2023 when he was Mayor of Greater Manchester.

He suggested that people could be expected to pay extra to use their car if they were opting to drive, rather than use public transport.

"I feel that we need to look at issues like a workplace parking levy – I think that has to be on the agenda as we move forward," Mr Burnham said.

Shadow Transport Secretary Richard Holden slammed the proposals, adding that the Prime Minister must rule out the WPL.

He described the workplace parking scheme as a "stealth tax" and said the Conservatives "will always stand up for drivers".

The Department for Transport clarified that any revenue raised from workplace parking levies and other schemes "must be used to deliver local transport policies".

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