Exeter Green back park at work tax
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.
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Andrew Bell, of The Green Party
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.
9 Comments
by mand, exeter
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 8:00PM
“I have had to use the bus this week due to a car accident and even though i only live 7 miles outside of exeter, it is costing £65 a week in busfares for the family. I dont support the parking fees proposal but I would rather pay £10 a week extra than £65- it won't make people give up their cars as the alternatives are far too expensive!”
by ken, exeter
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 3:52PM
“its about time the green party left town with there silly remarks as all sensible people realise its just another form of tax for the council
ken”
by I'm Eighty Three Y'know, La La Land
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 3:46PM
“Elaine, it's a shame I live 25 miles the other way out of Exeter, otherwise I could have offered you a crossbar.”
by Elaine, Dunkeswell
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 2:05PM
“So they're thinking of taxing the free parking spaces in firms around Exeter. I live about 14 miles away from my work and there is no reliable public transport available, so I need to use my car in order to earn a wage. I am also approaching retirement age and really don't fancy a
28 mile a day round trip cycle ride just to get to work and back.”
by BBWolfe, Exeter
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 1:03PM
“Brin, I usually enjoy (and generally agree with) your comments but I am at a loss to make any sense of your last posting.
As far as I can tell the Greens are an extremist party who would have us all beating our clothes on rocks in the river once they have done away with motor vehicles, washing machines and all but carbon neutral industries.
Face it, we are addicts for modern conveniences and cold turkey seldom works, we need to concentrate on harm minimisation. All that charging people to park at work will achieve is more income for the council, leaving those of us who have no choice out of pocket yet again.”
by Dan, Exeter
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 12:58PM
“Another absolutely absurd idea that will generate a few pounds for the council, impose an unnecessary inconvenience to drivers, and do absolutely nothing for the environment.”
by Jeremy Clarkson, exeter
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 12:53PM
“How about a proposal to pay staff to use bicycles instead of cars. It would be hugely costly to business and not bring in any revenue.
Its a ludicrous idea!! So why do the council do it?
And "classic car clubs". Tax that lot, they pay no road tax but drive old polluting cars on "runs". Which to the rest of us means driving a long way with absolutely no purpose. And "cruisers" or boy racers to anyone else!! They just cruise!! No purpose at all. And elderly people that "just want to go for a drive". Tax that lot as well.
All polluting the planet.
Why is it that the average Joe who needs to drive to work and do the school run on the way, then has to drive to work gets slammed every time.
And unless this is Devon wide it'll be nonsense, as any company thinking of locating to Exeter will just not bother and locate to East Devon area. Swoton is Exeter, a few miles up the road and your at Exeter Airport Business park and its East Devon. Same the other side to Teignbridge, Mid Devon.
Another nail in the coffin for exeter commerce and another stab in the back for the working motorist, masked as a green agenda issue when its all about revenue generating.”
by anon, Exeter
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 12:46PM
“I don't understand where these 18,000 'free' parking spaces are.
They certainly aren't in the city centre where the majority of driving workers have to pay extortionate rates in the public carparks.
Those Companies on the outskirts of the City certainly don't have anything near that many places and how would imposing a tax on those parking spaces reduce congestion in the City?
The main effect of this additional tax on the motorist would be to created a small income for the City Council which I suspect would result in employing a number of people to administer at a cost considerably more than the income received.
This City Council has tried a wide variety of schemes that have apparently been designed to make the City greener and all they have been able to do is alienate the motorist and to line the pockets of the many companies that have been employed to deliver the schemes. Not least Stagecoach, who over the years have been given millions of our pounds to offer an affordable and usable bus service. Shame they have failed on both counts.”
by brin, Exeter
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 12:00PM
“I still do not understand why the Green party do not try and get a debate started so that the majority of these office workers cannot work from home? Hardly green ?, the roads will still be clogged, the workers will be stressed from the congestion.
Oh yeah Andrew Bell, hardly does anything does it? Your 'semi-green' proposal? Not good enough.”