Anger over workplace parking charge exclusion

A Mini plant may be exempt from a proposed new parking charge.

A council has been accused of being inconsistent and unfair following the revelation that a large car plant will likely be excluded from a new parking tax.

Oxfordshire County Council plans to roll out a workplace parking levy in Oxford, which will charge medium-large businesses for staff parking places at their premises.

But county council deputy leader Pete Sudbury has said he believes the charge will only apply "inside the Ring Road" meaning the BMW Mini Plant, which falls just outside, will likely not be affected.

Temple Cowley ward councillor Saj Malik said it was "unfair" doctors and nurses would have to pay when BMW staff will not. The council said the proposals are at an early stage and no concrete decisions have been taken.

News about the parking charge comes after Oxford City Council excused the Mini Plant from an £800k community infrastructure levy (CIL) this month.

BMW is investing £600m into building a new car line at the Cowley plant, which would normally attract a CIL.

Mr Malik said the plant contributes to employment and that Oxford is "very proud" of its car history, but that the £800k exemption "is not consistent with our policy" of trying to discourage car use.

He added: "As far as I am concerned BMW is thriving and not in any financial difficulty, so why should they be let off that amount, which should have come into the community?"

An Oxford City Council spokesman has said BMW’s new car line will result in job opportunities both directly at the plant and within the supply chain.

He added the council approved the application for the exemption to help secure "the continued presence of BMW in Oxford".

Temple Cowley councillor Lubna Arshad said it was the "appropriate course of action to take".