Controversial calls have been made to introduce a levy on Norwich companies where workers can park at their offices - dubbed a 'poll tax on wheels'.
And Norfolk County Council leaders have confirmed they could soon carry out a study to explore whether to bring in what is known as a workplace charging levy in the city.
The idea is that, by charging business premises a levy for each parking space, it will discourage them from offering parking for staff - with workers switching to walking, cycling or buses instead.
Supporters of the scheme said it would cut congestion and improve air quality, but the AA previously branded the proposals a "poll tax on wheels", warning businesses might just charge workers to park to cover their costs.
However, Norfolk County Council's Transport for Norwich strategy does state a workplace parking place levy "should be considered".
And, at a recent meeting of the county council's Conservative-controlled cabinet, Green county councillor Paul Neale put pressure on the council to start a study which could lead to the introduction of the charges.
He said: "A workplace parking levy would raise around £3m a year in revenue that could be used to improve the reliability of buses around Norwich."
He asked Graham Plant, the council's cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport, if he would commit to a feasibility assessment for a workplace parking levy.
Mr Plant said: "Consideration of a workplace parking levy is outlined in the Transport for Norwich Strategy as one of a series of measures that would need significant further study over the coming years, with the overall aim of improving air quality.
"This will be done through a mix of technical study work alongside extensive engagement with partners, businesses and the general public."
On the need for more money for better buses, Mr Plant said just under £50m was awarded to Norfolk last year to improve public transport across Norwich and Norfolk, by offering more simple and affordable fares and improved bus service frequency and reliability.
He said: "Officers are working closely with bus operators on this and some measures to improve reliability and enhanced bus services have already been implemented with more to follow over the next two years."
The suggestion of a workplace charging levy for Norwich has been mooted before, but has never progressed further than the idea stage.
Norwich City Council, which then had the power to introduce such charges - something which is now in the hands of County Hall - debated the issue more than a decade ago.
During that debate, Brian Morrey, then the Labour-run city council's executive member for sustainable city development, said: "While workplace parking charges may be a way forward in an ideal world where actions do not have consequences, it would be an act of political suicide to even contemplate it in our imperfect world."
If such a levy was introduced in Norwich, the city would be following in the footsteps of Nottingham City Council.
READ MORE: 20-minute neighbourhood claims slammed by Norfolk leader
That council introduced a levy in 2012 to tackle problems associated with traffic congestion.
All employers providing workplace parking places are legally obliged to licence those places and may be liable to pay.
The cost per workplace parking place in the Midlands city for 2023/2024 is £522 for employers who provide 11 or more liable places, with discounts or exemptions for small businesses with 10 or fewer car parking spaces.
Norfolk County Council sparked controversy recently after it agreed to explore whether a number of 20-minute neighbourhoods could be trialled in Norfolk, although they have yet to identify possible locations.
The thinking is to plan developments so people can get to key services with no need to use a car, but it has triggered concern, particularly in Thetford.
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