Workplace Parking Licensing Regulations and Guidance

The Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 introduced a discretionary workplace parking licensing (WPL) power available to local authorities. It will be for the local authority to decide whether they wish to use that power and to shape proposals to suit local circumstances.

As part of our commitment to reduce car kilometres by 20% by 2030, the Climate Change Plan update committed to take forward policy consultation in advance of drafting regulations and guidance to enable local authorities to implement WPL schemes that suit their local requirements. Providing local authorities with discretionary powers to implement a WPL scheme supports National Transportation Strategy outcomes of reducing congestion and tackling climate/air emissions.

We asked for your views on certain technical elements of the Workplace Parking Licensing (WPL) regulations and guidance that will underpin local authorities’ WPL schemes, and what potential impacts of the regulations and guidance may be expected.

We received 62 responses to the consultation, of which 37 were from organisations and 25 from individuals. A number of key themes were evident across consultation questions as well as across respondent groups. Some of these were outwith the scope of the consultation and were general comments on WPL and, as such, will be more appropriate for local authorities to consider when designing and implementing local WPL schemes.

Key themes include the importance of transparency and accountability in WPL schemes, the importance of alternative modes of transport. Some respondents raised concerns that WPL schemes will disproportionately impact low paid and shift workers and city centre businesses.

An analysis of the responses to the consultation has been published on the Transport Scotland website, and responses published where respondents indicated permission to do so. The responses to the consultation will help inform the supporting regulations and guidance to enable local authorities to implement WPL schemes that suit their local circumstances.

As set out in the Climate Change Plan update, the intention is for regulations and guidance to be in force in 2022.