Nottingham workplace parking levy increased by 3.2%

The cost of Nottingham's workplace parking levy has been increased for the second time because of higher-than-expected inflation figures.

The city council levy, which will be used to pay for transport improvement schemes, will be introduced in April.

The cost will be £288 per space per year - a 3.2% increase from the earlier level of £279 per space.

Businesses are responsible for paying the charge based on the number of parking spaces they have.

Tram improvements

Nottingham plumbing firm GB Willbond said the charges meant it would have to lay off some apprentices to cover the extra costs of the parking levy.

"We have had to make a saving of £8,000 to cover that cost and that is going to be very difficult to do in the current market place," managing director Tony Hogg said.

"The only place we can make the saving is our apprentice budget which is sad really."

A city council spokesman said employers with 11 or more workplace parking places would need to pay when charging started in April.

Employers with fewer than 10 workplace parking places will not have to pay, but they will still need to get a licence.

The investment in public transport, including the city's tram system, would benefit all businesses in the city in the long term by helping to reduce congestion, a city council spokesman said.

The earlier cost was based on an estimated 2.5% inflation rate but the rate, based on the retail price index, has now increased to 5.2%, a city council official said.