WORKPLACE parking charges have met with almost universal criticism from the fleet industry and business leaders who questioned whom will have to pay for a parking space and how the policy will actually reduce congestion. A survey by London First, in conjunction with the Transport Studies Group at the University of Westminster, on London commuter parking found that in central London 13% of businesses would pass the charge on to all staff while 35% would pay the charge on their behalf.

In inner London, the figures rise to 27% for both central and inner London, while 32% of outer London firms would pass on charges to staff. More than half (53%) would pay the charge for them. The figures are based on a charge of £1,000 a space in central London, £750 in inner London and £500 in outer London.

The National Grid has already objected to Coventry Borough Council's plan to introduce workplace parking charges. Group transport manager, David Morse, said: 'We don't think this will happen because companies will object and councils will decide not to implement it.' Norman Donkin, director general of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association, labelled the workplace parking charges as 'a direct tax on employers', saying: 'People will continue to drive their own car to work because for the majority that is the only means they have.'