Motorists in Cardiff could soon be charged for parking at work under a new scheme designed to reduce gridlock and improve the city's air. Cardiff Council is actively developing proposals for a Workplace Parking Levy (WPL), which would see businesses pay for staff parking spaces.
What is the Workplace Parking Levy?
The proposed levy is a form of road user charging aimed directly at commuters who drive to work. The core idea is to discourage private car use by introducing a cost for workplace parking, with the revenue generated being reinvested into public transport, walking, and cycling infrastructure. The council has been examining various congestion-busting measures for several years, with the WPL now emerging as a leading contender.
A council statement explained the rationale: "Although the air quality in Cardiff is far better than it ever has been, further work is required to reduce harmful pollutants, reduce congestion, and provide much-needed investment in public transport."
Council's Stance and Next Steps
Councillor Dan De'Ath, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Strategic Planning and Transport, emphasised that no final decision has been made. "The business case work is a three-stage process," he said, noting that the council cannot predetermine the outcome until a full assessment is complete.
However, he confirmed the council's support for the principle of a road user payment scheme. "We need people to be less reliant on private cars to reduce congestion, further improve air quality, and invest in public transport," Cllr De'Ath stated. He stressed that any scheme must be fair and based on detailed evidence, with all income ringfenced for transport projects.
Timeline for Implementation
The process is set to unfold over the coming years. The council is expected to reach a final decision on the recommended option following the completion of a full business case by 2027. If approved, the Workplace Parking Levy could be implemented as early as 2028.
Key points for residents and businesses to note include:
- The levy is specifically targeted at workplace parking provided by employers.
- Funds raised would legally be reserved for improving transport alternatives.
- The council pledges to keep the public updated throughout the consultation and development process.
This move places Cardiff among a growing number of UK cities considering similar charges to manage urban traffic and meet environmental targets. The success of a long-standing scheme in Nottingham is often cited as a model, where revenue has funded significant expansions to the tram network.
