Bristol workplace parking levy gets 'mixed reaction'

A plan to implement a workplace parking levy in Bristol has received a "mixed reaction".

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

Bendy bus routes between Ashton Vale and Temple Meads and Hengrove to north Bristol could benefit.

James Durie, from Business West, said many companies appeared unsure about the plan and were looking for a scheme that would be fair.

He said: "People feel that we've got to link the benefits that come out of this scheme with the people that pay for it."

"It shouldn't just be business.

"Let's make sure the council have looked at other measures and convince us that they've gone through the alternatives.

"Are there other ways that we could find this contribution, which is tough, but we don't feel it should just be business."

Up to £3.5m a year could be raised through the tax for 20 years, which would then be reinvested into major transport projects.

Councillor Tim Kent, the council's transport leader, warned other measures could include increasing business taxes.

He admitted there were obvious drawbacks with a parking levy.

"When you look at the workplace parking levy there will be businesses that will say 'hold on, I've got lots of parking and the business next to me has no parking'. That doesn't seem fair."