Despite not yet having been introduced it has been announced that the controversial Workplace Parking Levy – which will part fund Phase Two of Nottingham Express Transit – will increase before the first charges are made! It had been expected that £279 would be charged per parking space per year (although businesses with less than 10 spaces are exempt but have to have a licence) but a charge of £288 will now be made as a result of inflation.
The Workplace Parking Levy has been controversial since its introduction was first mooted amid claims that it would force some businesses to leave Nottingham City Centre to avoid its payment. So far these fears seem not to have been realised and it has been said that eight out of ten affected businesses have applied for the licences which are required for all companies within the city centre zone. It is said that this means 38,000 spaces have been
registered.
Much of the money raised through the levy will go towards major transport projects in Nottingham which includes the Phase Two extension of NET as well as the redevelopment of the main Nottingham railway station.
First payments are due in April.