THE Government has confirmed for the first time that it is examining the possibility of a tax on car parking spaces at work. Following months of widespread speculation Glenda Jackson, minister for transport in London, said the taxation of workplace parking was being considered as part of the Government's integrated transport policy.

'The Government is considering whether a levy on non-residential parking should form part of the package of measures that will constitute its integrated transport policy,' she said. 'Among the issues being assessed are the administrative and enforcement implications of any such levy.'

Angela Eagle, junior environment minister, added: 'Greater use of the price mechanism to influence travel choice, which might include a levy on non-residential parking, is one of the range of options being studied as part of the preparation of the forthcoming white paper that will set out the Government's integrated transport policy.'