Proposals for a workplace parking levy in Glasgow have been slammed as a “poll tax on wheels” by a care leader.

Robert Kilgour, executive chairman of Renaissance Care, said the plans to adopt the SNP government’s Workplace Parking Levy were “nothing short of madness”.

Kilgour said it was “unfair” that care workers who drive to work would be facing costs of up to £650 a year while NHS and hospice workers were exempt.

“This could be the last straw which pushes some struggling care homes over the edge and is the very last thing that our frontline pandemic heroes deserve,” he told Caring Times.

“By its very nature, the care sector needs people who are willing to work varied shifts including night shifts, and imposing this charge represents a very real safety risk to staff and elderly visitors, forcing them to choose between public transport and walking alone at night or bringing their car. 

“In addition, many hard-working and relatively low paid workers in office jobs and hospitality businesses across the city will be forced to cough up because Glasgow City Council can’t seem to grasp that the most effective way to improve the city’s finances is to encourage business, which generates the tax upon which all public services depend.”

A spokesperson for Glasgow City Council said: “No decisions have been taken on how a possible workplace parking licensing scheme might be implemented in Glasgow.

“Options will be developed and these will be put before elected members, who will decide whether Glasgow should proceed with a workplace parking licensing scheme.

“If approval for a workplace parking licensing scheme is given, the public will be consulted on the possible design of such a scheme.

“There are a number of statutory exemptions set out in the legislation, which also makes clear that any workplace parking licensing scheme is directed towards organisations that operate workplace carparks, not individual members of staff.

“Any funds raised through a licensing scheme would legally have to be used on measures contained within our Transport Strategy.”