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Workplace Parking Licensing (Scotland) Regulations 2022

Submission from Dr Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce to the Convener, 18 February 2022

Dear Members,

Ahead of the next meeting of the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee that is due to take place on the 22nd February, I wish to once again express the strong opposition from the Scottish Chambers of Commerce Network to the introduction of the Workplace Parking Levy (WPL).

The SCC Network recognise the risk of climate change and investment in low-carbon transport infrastructure is a priority for Chamber members. As set out in our ‘Rally for Growth’ policy document, we believe planned investments should be accelerated to support recovery and improve transport infrastructure.

Businesses across Scotland also want to see a strategic plan put in place to drive the adoption of low emission vehicles across the private and public sectors and enhanced developments to associated infrastructure such as charging locations and hydrogen refuelling stations.

There also must be improved accessibility for cycling with regards to public transport. Whilst this has improved in recent years, more provision for the transport storage of cycles is required, to better support the daily commute in and out of town centres, as well as an improved commuter cycling network.

Scotland’s businesses however have consistently opposed proposals for the WPL due to the additional financial burden it places on businesses and their employees, and this has become even more pertinent in the wake of the pandemic and the emerging cost of living crisis.

Many businesses are still recovering from the financial impact of the pandemic, which has severely reduced trade and significantly increased costs over the past two years, hitting our town and city centres hard.

In addition, without a cap being placed on the levy, businesses face a postcode lottery on charges, likely to lead to displacement as was seen in Nottingham where the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce have reported evidence of businesses having to make people redundant in order to pay the levy, reduce their investments or relocate entirely.
To support Scotland’s businesses and economic recovery SCC believe the WPL should be scrapped or, at a minimum, further deferred.

On behalf of our members, we ask the Committee to support S6M-03166 and that the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee should recommend that the Workplace Parking Licensing (Scotland) Regulations 2022 be annulled.

The Scottish Chambers of Commerce remain available to Members of the Committee and relevant officials to discuss this matter further.

Yours Sincerely,

Dr Liz Cameron
Director & Chief Executive Scottish Chambers of Commerce

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