MOVES to tackle traffic congestion by implementing private non-residential workplace parking charges would be met with 'overwhelming opposition' from business, a new report has warned. But congestion charging may be more readily accepted.

Members of the Institute of Directors say the effect of charges for parking at work would be damaging levels of costs and lower staff morale. The report, 'Transport and Business: the Government's Route', says that 81% of directors were opposed to workplace parking charges, with just 12% in favour.

It adds that while bosses support the need for reducing congestion by discouraging people from using their cars, measures can only be taken so far before they have too much of a negative effect on trade and workers. While directors refused to condone the use of workplace parking charges, they gave a mixed reaction to proposals to implement congestion charging.

About 43% supported the idea of congestion charging, but 44% were opposed, more than half of them strongly. The rest were undecided.

On charges for the use of motorways or trunk roads the divide was again clear, with 52% against and 37% in support of companies or drivers paying for use of the roads. More than 2,000 IoD members were surveyed and more than half felt the company car was vital or essential to some of its staff.