Transport Scotland has published guidance to enable local authorities to exercise their discretionary power to implement workplace parking licensing (WPL) schemes.
The WPL scheme would see employers pay an annual levy to the council for the parking spaces they provide employees, with revenue raised to support the local transport strategy.
This extra income could then support the development of active travel measures and more sustainable public transport infrastructure, according to Transport Scotland.
Parking reserved for Blue Badge holders, as well as certain NHS and hospices places, would be exempt from the charges.
Jenny Gilruth, Scottish minister for transport, said: “The WPL is a key tool that empowers local councils in encouraging people out of their cars and onto more sustainable modes of transport.
“This is vitally important if we are to reach a 20% reduction in car kilometres by 2030.
“The revenue generated by these schemes must support policies in local transport strategies, which allows local authorities to raise finance and invest it according to local need.
“The levy can also support improvements in public or active transport, making it more attractive and therefore encouraging individuals to leave their cars at home.”
Local authorities in Scotland looking to implement WPL will need to carry out their own consultations and assessments to measure community impact.
The development of guidance on WPL supports the vision set out in Scotland’s National Transport Strategy and its 2045 net zero ambition.
