Meeting of the Parliament (Hybrid) 23 February 2022
I would like to make some progress.
Disincentivisation measures, such as WPL schemes, are needed if we are to reach the targets. The regulations allow local authorities to deploy the powers in the face of the climate emergency. Neglecting the powers risks our climate change commitments, which members appear to be willing to sign up to but not to follow through on with action.
Giving local authorities powers to implement workplace parking licensing schemes is consistent with the situation for councils in England and Wales, which already have workplace parking licensing powers. The Conservative Government at Westminster has been content to retain the power for councils in England.
The implementation of the workplace parking scheme in Nottingham has demonstrated the potential benefits that are offered by such schemes. We know that public transport use in Nottingham is among the highest in the country, and there has been a reduction of 40 million car miles over the past 15 years. The revenue from the scheme there has supported the expansion of Nottingham’s successful tram system and the redevelopment and capacity enhancement of its train station, along with investment in bus services.
Nottingham City Council’s success is leading other councils to follow suit, with both Oxford City Council and Leicester City Council aiming to introduce workplace parking schemes by 2023.