Council proposals for 'Workplace Parking levy' face mixed response
Some critics have said the fee is 'worse than a congestion charge'
Plans for a levy on car parking spaces at city centre offices in Manchester have been met with a mixed response.
The Workplace Parking Levy is one of a series of option the City Council is exploring, as part of its bid to clear up Manchester's air.
It would mean city centre businesses, with more than a certain number of car park spaces, paying an extra charge for each one.
Manchester Friends of the Earth have welcomed the idea.
Pete Abel is one of the their volunteers, and told us it was 'vital':
"We support it as one of the options considered for Greater Manchester. Greater Manchester is failing to meet its air quality targets - its legal obligations. It's been described as a public health emergency. It's estimated 2,000 people die prematurely across the region each year, as a result of poor air quality.
But beyond that, it really damages the health of young children and that's damage to their lungs that they'll carry on for the rest of their lives.
We have an obligation to reduce air pollution as quickly as possible."
The plans have already been brought in in Nottingham, with bosses there saying it has meant £9 million of levy fees have been pumped into sustainable transport options.
Some business leaders have expressed concerns that the fee could have an impact on small employers, and their workforce, if they are forced to hand over extra cash to afford a car park space.
Robert Downes, from the Federation of Small Businesses, says until public transport systems are given an upgrade, the only option is for people to drive into the city centre
"At the moment, public transport isn't in a joined up system. I know the Mayor's office is looking to address that. But we are a long, long way from having a decent holistic transport system where they can dump their car and make their way into the city centre, and we are a long way away from being able to do that."
The Clean Air Draft Bill is due to be scrutinised by the Council on Wednesday