A LETTER condemning the push to introduce workplace parking charges has been sent to Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott by the Institute of Directors. Tim Melville-Ross, director general of the IoD, has called for a fundamental re-think of what the Government is trying to achieve with its integrated transport policy.

He said: 'Our members do not support the idea of local councils being able to levy workplace parking charges. There is annoyance from members that they have been encouraged to relocate on the basis of being able to afford easy access to work by car but now face being charged for providing parking. Some have told us they would not have relocated in the first place if they had known they were to face added workplace parking costs in this way.'

IoD members fear that charges will hit profitability and drive away business from towns which introduce levies, while many are worried that schemes will turn into a bureaucratic nightmare. They say red tape could eat up much of the charging income, leaving little for investment in improving public transport.