MSPs have voted to pave the way for a workplace parking levy across Scotland, with the measure to be enshrined in legislation next month.
But what exactly does this mean in North Ayrshire?
The opposing Scottish Conservative Party have branded the move as "a hammer blow to drivers and businesses across Scotland".
🚨BREAKING: @theSNP and @scottishgreens vote to go ahead with their hated workplace parking tax.
— Scottish Conservatives (@ScotTories) February 23, 2022
This is a hammer blow to drivers and businesses across Scotland. pic.twitter.com/ULSmvTfjtT
However, individual councils will have the final decision on whether to impose this charge within their jurisdiction and North Ayrshire Council have confirmed they have no plans to introduce this.
The levy will allow councils to tax parking spaces which are provided by employers, from March 4, and if imposed, businesses will have to decide whether to foot the bill themselves, or pass the cost onto employees.
Health facilities and disabled parking spaces will be exempt from the scheme.
The move is part of the wider Scottish Government initiative to drive people away from using their cars, particularly for short journeys, as it strives for net-zero living in the nation.
There has been no limit placed on the workplace parking levy, meaning councils will have full power on how much will be charged if the scheme is implemented.
The levy is already in place in England, with only one area chosing to implement the cost - Nottingham.
The annual cost of a parking space there is £428 (per space), however it only applies to businesses with 11 or more employees.
In Nottingham, where the scheme is already up and running, around 80 per cent of businesses pass the cost on to their staff.
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