NEW powers to introduce a levy on workplace parking spaces have been labelled as “nothing more than a tax on workers” by a Fife MSP.

The controversial policy was approved in the Scottish Parliament last week when efforts by opposition politicians to scrap the proposal failed.

It means that councils can introduce a charge to employers for workplace parking bays, although there are fears that the cost will be passed down to staff.

Mid Scotland and Fife Labour MSP Alex Rowley, who supported an amendment to remove the proposed charge, said: “This is nothing more than a tax on workers, it is clear it will impact the pockets of employees most of all, particularly those who are unable to get public transport to work.

“Many areas in Fife are not well served by either bus or train, and taking a car is sometimes a necessity to get to work.

“Taxing workers for parking in their workplace is not the right way to either tackle climate change or raise revenue for councils that are strapped of cash due to sweeping budget cuts.”

Fife Council have already confirmed that the current joint administration will not propose the introduction of the workplace parking levy in the Kingdom.

However, Edinburgh and Glasgow councils are set to impose the tax and Fife commuters are now worried what the impact might be on their pocket.

An outraged Alexander Stewart, Tory MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, said: “Each space is expected to cost around £415 a year and it is likely that employers will make their workers foot the bill.

“Hardworking families will yet again be penalised.

"Many of my constituents in Mid Scotland and Fife travel to Edinburgh and Glasgow for work by car and some, including teachers, who work in both locations, will be doubly unfairly hit by yet another unnecessary tax on motorists who appear to be an easy means of revenue for the government.”

Edinburgh City Council Transport and Environment Convener Lesley Macinnes told the Press the council has “not yet” taken a decision to implement this power in Edinburgh.

Supporters of the idea point to Nottingham, where they say a similar scheme has brought significant benefits to the public and local businesses as well as major improvements in infrastructure.

“Contrary to recent reports on how this might impact commuters into Edinburgh, like Nottingham we would be looking to businesses and organisations for this levy, not directly to their employees,” she said.

“Ultimately, the decision as to whether this should be applied here will involve thorough consultation with citizens and business partners.”

Fifers are also fearful of whether the levy will make train services to the capital – which have already been heavily criticised for delays and cancellations – even more overcrowded, but Transport Scotland said that ScotRail is looking at options for further capacity.

A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “The Workplace Parking Levy will be a discretionary power, included in the Transport Bill, that councils can choose to use – it is not mandatory.

“The bill also empowers local authorities to address local transport needs through new options for improving bus services.

"We are supporting this through more than £500 million in bus priority infrastructure investment which was announced in the Programme for Government to help reduce the effects of congestion on services.

“The use of the Forth Road Bridge as a dedicated public transport corridor, and the associated bus lane infrastructure, has reduced journey times for public transport users from the Fife park and ride sites by around 40 per cent between Ferrytoll and Newbridge at peak times compared to the car.

“Freeing up the bridge to encourage more cycling and walking is also paying dividends.

“Rail performance has been improving across Fife compared to last year and ScotRail is exploring options to provide further additional capacity.

“Commuters have seen a substantial reduction in cancellations as a result of train crew shortages since April 2019, with planned seating capacity being maintained.”