Bristol businesses face parking space levy

Businesses in Bristol could face a charge of £400 a year for every parking space under plans being considered this week. The city council will vote this week on proposals to charge a levy on workplace parking, which would hit businesses with more than 11 spaces. If the plans are approved, Bristol would become the second city running the scheme. Nottingham has charged £428 for spaces since 2012. Similar plans are being considered in Oxford, Leicester, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The mayor of London has also published guidance to boroughs about introducing charges. Charges in Nottingham apply to all businesses, including schools and council properties, but not the NHS. Most businesses, including Boots, which has its headquarters there, pass on the charges to their workers. The Times (£)