6. Debate on a Member's Legislative Proposal: Workplace Parking Levy

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:43 pm on 20 November 2019.

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Photo of Llyr Gruffydd Llyr Gruffydd Plaid Cymru 3:43, 20 November 2019

So, there are cross-issue benefits, I think, in this proposal. And, of course, Wales is falling behind in this respect because we now see Scotland proposing to introduce this levy through their transport Bill. And as we heard, it's already being implemented in some councils in England—Nottingham and Birmingham being two of those. So, this isn't a pie-in-the-sky proposal; it's already happening.

Now, there are questions around it, of course, and, you know, we've touched on a few of those—the reference earlier to the burden being passed to employees and workers. In eight out of 10, I think, situations you referenced in opening this discussion, so we do need careful consideration around maybe who would be exempt from being subjected to the levy. Clearly, people with particular needs, maybe, who aren't as able to use public transport for different reasons, need to be in our minds in that respect. Parents with children as well, many of whom have to factor in the school run—and there's a whole other debate about tackling school runs—but they need to be considered as well. And, of course, not being able to afford a parking levy would potentially become a barrier or deter new parents possibly from returning to work. So, all of that needs to be considered. Any levy would need to be proportionate to an employee's salary, as well, of course, as the cost and practicalities of public transport. But we know, of course, that 80 per cent of those commuting in Wales use a car, only 4 per cent use the bus, 4 per cent use the train, and 2 per cent use a bike. So, we know that this needs to be tackled and I think this would be a positive step in that respect.