LOCAL authorities have given widespread support to workplace parking charges which could see fleet running costs soar. But many authorities have shied away from moves towards road tolls, a national survey of 105 local authorities by the Institution of Civil Engineers has revealed.

The survey follows the Government's consultation document 'Breaking the Logjam' on congestion charging and workplace parking charges, which developed ideas first introduced in the integrated transport white paper. The survey showed that 47% of local authorities would support fees for workplace parking and only 14% would not.

However, road pricing received a negative reaction, with 37% of councils saying charges would not be supported and only 19% in favour. The survey also revealed that 39% of authorities were undecided on parking charges and 44% undecided on road-user charging, emphasising the importance of campaigning by the fleet industry to make its views heard. Comments on 'Breaking the Logjam' can be submitted to the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions until March 31.

Strongest support for charges came from London Boroughs and least support came from Scotland and Wales, reinforcing concern among fleets that they will face a 'geographical lottery' of charges as only a patchwork of authorities gives schemes the go-ahead. Authorities backed fleet reservations over funding being ploughed back into local transport, with 82% saying they felt the Government had provided inadequate assurances.