Workplace parking levy

An annual charge to employers for staff parking spaces at their premises.

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What is a workplace parking levy (WPL)?

The workplace parking levy (WPL) has been a concept within Oxfordshire County Council’s transport planning and vision since 2015.

It is an annual charge to employers for staff parking places at their premises.  

The level of charge and who we would charge are subject to engagement, consultation and further assessment. 

Employers could pass some or all of the charge on to employees who drive to work. This is up to individual employers to decide. The money raised by the WPL would be used to improve transport in the city, including bus services and walking and cycling infrastructure, and to cover the cost of implementing and running the scheme.

Reasons

  • A WPL would encourage commuters to use an alternative, less polluting means to get to work, rather than travelling in private cars. This could include walking, cycling or the use of public transport.
  • A WPL can help reduce traffic and generate funds to improve alternatives to car travel including more bus services and better cycle lanes. 
  • By law, the funds generated by the WPL must be used to improve transport in and around the city. 

How it works

Employers in the city would need to obtain an annual licence for their workplace parking places. Employers in the scope of the scheme would pay an annual fee to the council based on the number of workplace parking places they provide.  The level of charge and which employers we would charge are subject to engagement, consultation and further assessment.

Employers would be able to decide whether to pass some or all of the charge on to employees who drive to work.

What happens next? 

The council will be having initial discussions with employers. If the project is taken forward, there will be opportunities for everyone to give us their views later on when more details are available.

A WPL requires approval from the UK government (the Department for Transport)

Indicative timeline

  • Spring 2024 – Early engagement​
  • Autumn 2024 to Spring 2025 – Stakeholder engagement​
  • Summer 2025 – Public consultation ​
  • Winter 2026 – Cabinet decision on WPL scheme ​
  • Winter 2026 – Submit WPL to Department for Transport (DfT) for approval to implement ​
  • If approved, implementation from 2027