Cardiff employers are raising concerns that proposed charges for staff parking could significantly harm businesses in the city. Under plans currently open for consultation, larger firms might face fees of £750 per employee parking space annually.
Critics, including business owners and the AA, view the potential "workplace parking levy" as a tax on workers that could drive companies out of Cardiff. Julie Keeler, who has operated an engineering firm in the capital for 35 years, expressed fears that the additional costs would cripple businesses. Keeler stated that she is closing her firm and retiring due to mounting business expenses, citing recent layoffs of 25 employees this year attributed to rising costs of fuel and parking zones.
"You can't put your prices up in this day and age - we've run it for 35 years, there's no point," Keeler said, adding that she believes too much money has already been allocated to cycle lanes in Cardiff, suggesting alternative uses for public funds.
However, the council suggests that revenue generated from the levy would be reinvested in public transport initiatives. The proposals aim to encourage a shift towards walking, cycling, and public transit use among workers. Funds raised are earmarked for city transport projects, including improvements to bus services and the development of cycle lanes.
Mention of the potential parking charges follows a period of economic pressure on businesses, with rising fuel costs also cited as a factor impacting operational viability. The final decision on the levy is pending the outcome of the public consultation.