The introduction of a congestion charge and workplace parking levy in Glasgow has moved a step closer.

The city council, run by the Scottish National Party, passed its budget yesterday (Thursday, February 15), which includes funding to prepare the city for the rollout of charges in the future.

Along with a tourist tax, which it is hoping to introduce by 2026, a team will be created to look at getting a business case ready and consultation on the plans.

Local authorities in Scotland were given the green light to introduce workplace parking levy schemes by the Scottish Government in 2022. 

A workplace parking levy sees employers pay an annual levy to the council for parking spaces they provide for employees, with revenue raised supporting the objectives set out in their local transport strategy.

Parking places reserved for Blue Badge holders, certain parking places at qualifying NHS premises and parking places at hospices would be exempt from any charge.

Local authorities who are proposing to implement a levy are required to carry out a consultation and impact assessments on how such a scheme should be designed and operate in their area.

City treasurer councillor Ricky Bell said the budget “puts in place the opportunity for those (plans) to be brought to fruition”.

He said: a team will be “created to project manage this work and set up a political oversight group” to monitor progress.