09.05.2019
The Scottish Parliament’s Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee is today launching an online survey to gauge views on the proposed workplace parking levy at www.parliament.scot/WorkplaceParkingSurvey.
The proposal to give Scottish local authorities the ability to charge organisations for workplace parking spaces, as can happen in England and Wales at present, emerged from budget negotiations between the Scottish Government and the Scottish Green Party. John Finnie MSP has now lodged an amendment to the Transport (Scotland) Bill, backed by the Scottish Government, which would introduce the necessary legal changes to give councils this additional power.
The Committee is seeking views from the public to better understand what people think about the measure, as well as holding two evidence sessions on 22 and 29 May to consider how the levy might work in practice. The Committee’s online survey will run until 20 May.
Speaking about the survey, Committee Convener, Edward Mountain MSP, said:
“Giving councils this additional power could result in extra financial costs to businesses, public bodies and individual commuters. It would also give local authorities who wish to discourage commuting by car an extra tool to achieve this.
“While we know that the idea has divided opinion across Scotland, to help MSPs properly consider this proposal, we want to hear from as many people as possible.
“Please let us know what you think about the workplace parking levy by visiting www.parliament.scot/WorkplaceParkingSurvey.”
The amendment itself is likely to be debated and voted on in the Committee on 19 June.
Background
The amendment is being considered at Stage 2 of the three-part legislative process. More information on the legislative process is available on our website here.
Read more about the amendment and the Committee’s scrutiny of the Bill at this webpage. Look under the heading ‘Stage 2’ for more information specifically about the amendment.
John Finnie’s amendment and explanatory notes are available here.