Small firms slam parking charge proposals

Date: 9th March 2009

Proposals which could see small businesses charged for using their own car parking spaces have been slammed by retailers.

Under the government's Transport Act 2000, local councils could impose fees on businesses - such as partnerships and sole traders - using vehicle parking spaces.

In response, the Forum of Private Business (FPB) has petitioned Westminster to axe the legislation, which it believes could severely harm struggling retailers.

Chief executive of the FPB, Phil Orford, said: "The tax burden is already a major problem for small businesses which are struggling to survive the recession.

"Some employees have no choice but to drive to work, which means that getting rid of parking is simply not an option for most small businesses."

Mr Orford added that expensive parking charges was often a "huge issue" for high street retailers and exacerbated already sliding levels of trade.

Elsewhere, the Federation of Small Businesses recently urged banks to decentralise decision making processes on lending.