GREEN activists in Exeter are  lobbying councillors to introduce  a workplace parking levy, which  they claim will improve  quality of  life in the city.

The Green Party is urging Exeter City Council’s executive  committee to back controversial  proposals to introduce the levy,  which have been suggested as a  way of cutting congestion and  reducing carbon emissions.

Senior officers at the council  claim there are almost 18,000  “free” parking spaces for workers  which could be levied as a way of  managing congestion.

But they admit the proposals  are controversial and have described them as uncomfortable in  a report due to go before the  authority’s executive committee  tonight.

The document sets out the city  council’s proposed contribution  to Devon County Council’s Local  Transport Plan for 2011-16.

The Exeter Green Party believes the scheme would improve  health by reducing air pollution,  encourage more walking and cycling and has the potential to  revolutionise public transport.

 Andrew Bell, transport spokes-  man for the Exeter Green Party,   said: “We all know that Exeter is  suffering from chronic congestion and cannot expand without  the city grinding to a complete  standstill.

“We also have several serious  pollution hotspots. And of course  there is climate change  — over  half of Devon’s carbon emissions  come from the transport sector.

 “The introduction of a workplace parking levy is a relatively  simple and cost-effective way of  addressing these problems.

 “Reductions in traffic, making  it safer and more pleasant to walk  and cycle, and much-improved  public transport can only improve the quality of life for city  residents.

 “Nottingham Council has realised the advantages and will  introduce the levy in 2012. Will  Exeter’s councilors be as bold?  We hope so,  the idea has our full  backing.”

 The Green Party also dismissed arguments about the levy  disadvantaging businesses in the  city. Mr Bell said: “A workplace  parking levy would actually benefit businesses as it would reduce  the considerable costs of congestion and enable workers to predict their journey times more  accurately.

 “As long as funds from such a  levy are used specifically for improvements to public transport  and cycling and walking routes,  staff would be offered alternative  ways of getting to work.”

 As reported in the Echo, the  move could affect  thousands of  workers  who currently enjoy free  parking.  Employees at large city  companies including the Met Office, EDF Energy and South West  Water could be on the hit list.

The proposal is part of a range  of ideas to help the city reduce its  carbon footprint.

See tomorrow’s Echo for coverage on the council’s debate.