BUSINESSES could be hit with £2 billion in extra costs by workplace parking charges if just a quarter of local authorities sign up to the scheme, the British Chambers of Commerce is warning. BCC estimates were based on annual charges of £250 per space being introduced by one quarter of authorities outside London.

But an influential report from the Commission for Integrated Transport has recommended local authorities introducing workplace parking charges join forces with neighbouring councils to develop consistent strategies. This could lead to a massive increase in the estimated costs facing businesses as blanket charges could be created throughout the country.