A QUARTER of people would change their jobs if a workplace parking charge was introduced and they believed the cost became too high, a study has revealed.

But nearly half of those surveyed would not be prepared to pay any amount to park at work and just 36% would only be prepared to pay between £1 and £2 per day. The findings came from new research into the prospect of having to pay to park at work.

Released by the RAC Foundation the study, called Motoring Towards 2050: Parking in Transport Policy, said: ‘Motorists were asked what actions they would consider taking if the cost of parking at work reached very high levels. Although 16% said they would walk or cycle and 31% would use public transport, almost a quarter said they would consider changing jobs if parking costs became too high.

‘Only 6% of people would still pay to park at work. A further question on the value of parking spaces at work shows that employers may find it is difficult to get employees to give up their parking spaces.’

When asked what price they would pay to park at work, 80% of people would pay no more than £2 a day, with more than half of those saying they are not prepared to pay anything.

Local authorities have the power to decide whether to introduce workplace parking. Nottingham was one of the first to consider this and is proposing a levy of £150 per year, or 70p a day, rising to £350 per year over the next 10 years. It will come into operation in April next year and employers must decide whether to absorb the cost themselves or pass it on to employees.