Bristol work parking levy discussion begin

Discussions with businesses in Bristol over a workplace parking levy have begun, it has been revealed.

Bristol City Council is considering charging firms a fee for each space and invest the money in transport schemes.

Tim Kent, the councillor in charge of transport, said if the levy was introduced in the city it would not happen for several years.

"We've only just now started talking to businesses about it. It's a long, long way off," he said.

"We've got to accelerate those discussions with businesses and talk to them about what the benefits would be and admittedly what the costs would be."

Up to £3m could be raised through the tax, which would then be reinvested into major transport projects

The bendy bus routes between Ashton Vale and Temple Meads, as well as the route between Hengrove and South Gloucestershire and the proposed South Bristol link road stand to benefit.

The fee would be no greater than £1 per private parking space per day.

Mr Kent added they would start looking at spaces in the centre and "start moving out" but no final decisions had yet been made.

A proposal will be presented to the city council's cabinet on 1 September.