Fresh thinking is in the air

Workplace Parking Levy & Clean Air Schemes conference takes place on 21 October

Poor air quality and chronic traffic congestion in the UK’s urban centres have pushed traffic and parking management up the policy agenda at both a national and local government level.

A number of UK councils have given serious consideration to introducing a Workplace Parking Levy (WPL schemes) – commissioning studies and preparing public consultations. In parallel, many towns and cities will have to implement measures to mitigate the impact of vehicle emissions on air quality in urban areas.

Workplace Parking Levy & Clean Air Schemes

21 October

The Council House, Nottingham

Free places for local authorities

The need for action will lead to the creation of Clean Air Zones (CAZs). There are different types of CAZs, with some being charging schemes, while others will be non-charging, relying on traffic management and transport measures to reduce air pollution.

The planning, management and enforcement of workplace levy and clean air schemes will be the focus of a conference being held by Landor LINKS in Nottingham on 21 October. Workplace Parking Levy & Clean Air Schemes has been programmed by Parking Review in partnership with Nottingham City Council and Marston Holdings.

The day will feature presentations by city leaders, council officers, consultants and technologists. The event will look at the current national picture on WPLs and CAZs and consider their interplay with a range of other schemes and measures that encourage and finance better travel choices in town and city centres.

The day will see a number of pioneering local authorities share their experiences. Conference host Nottingham City Council is the first, and so far only, UK local authority to launch a WPL scheme. After initial opposition from the business community, its levy scheme is widely regarded as having been a success in terms of stakeholder engagement, operation and revenue raising.

Leicester City Council will talk about its plan to use a Workplace Parking Levy to support its investment in walking and cycling initiatives. Another pathfinding local authority, Bath & North East Somerset Council, will discuss the launching the UK’s first Clean Air Zone outside London.

The day will close with a debate between city leaders and sector experts who will share their thoughts on how clean air and parking management schemes can support public transport and the active travel agenda.

Mark Moran is editor of Parking Review