LEGISLATION for road-user charging and workplace parking charges may be pointless as local authorities will shy away from increasing taxes on motorists. Research by the Local Government Association shows only 6% of authorities would introduce congestion charging, discouraged by its cost and unpopularity.

The LGA survey also found only 19% would introduce workplace parking charges, although 42% of Metropolitan Councils supported parking charges. The findings support fears raised by fleets that the map of Britain would reveal a series of taxation hotspots and could lead to a business rush to areas which had not introduced charges.

The LGA believes councils want more information before supporting new taxes. Research by Lease Plan and Lex Vehicle Leasing has revealed massive opposition amid fears it will not work and could damage business. The 1999 Lex Vehicle Leasing Report found that one in 10 company car drivers would leave their job rather than pay car parking charges. New research by Lease Plan reveals that 72% of motorists would continue to use their car to travel to work, even if they had to pay road tolls and 58% would pay workplace parking charges.