Tories: Nottingham's workplace parking levy can go ahead
The Evening Post can today reveal details of an unpublished Conservative Party election manifesto which says they will not undo Labour's decision to charge motorists to park at work in the city.
The Tories were previously opposed to the levy.
A Conservative source said: "Given that the scheme in Nottingham has already been approved and is scheduled to start, we do not intend to undo that retrospectively."
The manifesto also states the party will not change the law to stop workplace parking levies being introduced in other towns and cities.
Tory leader David Cameron called for the Nottingham scheme to be scrapped in a parliamentary petition in December.
His move came after shadow transport secretary Theresa Villiers said the Conservatives were opposed to the levy, but refused to give any commitment they would scrap it, leaving a number of unanswered questions.
The Tory election manifesto will state: "If we are elected, of course, we will continue to listen to the concerns of Nottingham residents about the scheme and consider its impact.
"However, a considerable amount of work has been done on the project. If Nottingham ultimately chooses to go ahead with the project it will be a decision for them.
"We have not made a commitment to block the scheme if the city chooses to take it forward. Neither have we made a commitment to replace the legislation on workplace parking levies."
Business leaders opposed to the levy had pinned hopes of escaping the tax on a Conservative victory at the election.
John Dowson, head of policy at the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Chamber of Commerce said: "It would be extremely disappointing if this is the approach being adopted.
"David Cameron and the transport team have at least objected to the order that allows levy schemes, but if the party's position is that they'll let Nottingham's go ahead, that would be a let-down.
"This will put us at a disadvantage, if there are additional taxes in Nottingham on top of the costs of employment legislation coming in over the next four to five years."
Mr Dowson said local authorities outside Nottingham were already trying to tempt business to move away from the city.
Mansfield District Council had published an advertisement which cited the fact that it had no such levy, Mr Dowson said.
Nottingham City Council plans to starting charging the levy from April 2012. Firms with 11 or more parking spaces will have to pay from £253 per space per year.
The money will help pay for Nottingham's tram extensions, the railway station redevelopment and to maintain the Link Bus network.
City council deputy leader Graham Chapman said: "I'm delighted the Conservatives have seen the benefits of this policy – it's a very mature approach they are taking.
"The city needs transport investment and there is no other way of funding it apart from road tolls, which are not appropriate for Nottingham."
Nottingham South MP Alan Simpson, a staunch supporter of the levy and tram extension, said it was a "hugely significant step" by the Tories.
"When I heard this I breathed a huge sigh of relief," he said.
Nottingham's tram network
Comment on this story