Ready to hit the accelerator on your sustainable transport ambitions? Applications are open for UK100’s Climate Leadership Academy Sprint: workplace parking levy, and we’re waiting to hear from you. Apply by 23:59 on Sunday 20th September 2026.

‍Complete the application form

What is a workplace parking levy?

A workplace parking levy (WPL) is a tax levied by the council on businesses for each parking space they offer for staff use.

In 2011, Nottingham City Council became the first local authority in the northern hemisphere to introduce a workplace parking levy. In the 15 years it has operated, the policy has brought benefits across the board to the city, from raising millions to invest in the city’s transport infrastructure, to cleaner air for residents, and attracting businesses into Nottingham thanks to a robust public transport network.

What is the Climate Leadership Academy Sprint: workplace parking levy?

Building on four years of UK100’s flagship Climate Leadership Academy programme, the Climate Leadership Academy Sprint is a focussed deep-dive on a specific policy area. The programme is designed to bring elected members and officers together to follow in Nottingham City Council’s footsteps to implement a workplace parking levy. By addressing the political barriers to implementation, providing opportunities for peer learning, and through a visit to hear from policy pioneers in Nottingham, participants will  gain the confidence and expertise to move from idea to implementation. From building the case to communities, businesses, and national government, to developing a source of ringfenced funding for local transport investment, this programme will pave the way for councils pursuing  cleaner air, economic growth, and modal shift.

Successful applicants will engage in:

• 13th or 22nd October 2026: An introductory online roundtable exploring shared experiences, challenges to date, and insights on how to overcome these.
• W/c 16th November 2026: A site visit to Nottingham to hear from those who set up and manage the WPL, as well as stakeholders who implement the scheme.
• January - March 2027: A series of action learning sets, to reflect on progress so far, offer constructive feedback and insights, and move from policy concept to policy plan.

Why should I apply?‍

The workplace parking levy is a pioneering policy, which provides benefits for business, communities, councils, and climate. As well as cutting the number of cars on the road, the WPL can result in a boost to local business activity, reduced congestion for essential car journeys and buses, and healthier communities through the uptake of active travel options such as walking and cycling. The WPL is also one of the few ways in which  local authorities can use levies to directly raise money, and represents an opportunity to invest in low-carbon transport, such as active travel infrastructure, and new or improved public transport networks. In short, it’s a win win, so it’s no wonder so many local authorities are keen to follow in Nottingham City Council’s footsteps.

Why trust us?‍

Since 2022, UK100 has championed Nottingham City Council’s workplace parking levy, publishing  a political toolkit for those wishing to follow in their footsteps, alongside a case study video describing their process and the impact it has had for the Council and the City. Since then, we have spoken to UK100 members across the country keen to follow in Nottingham City Council’s footsteps, to bring the benefits of a workplace parking levy to their places.

Over four years, UK100 has supported 80 local leaders through our Climate Leadership Academy training to transform their climate ambition into action, providing the policy knowledge and political leadership skills key to delivery. Our training has a track-record of success, with graduates attributing our support to successful partnership and multimillion pound funding bids, replication of pioneering schemes across the country, and increased confidence in delivering local climate action.

Who is it for?‍

This programme is for local authorities exploring, or who have taken their first steps towards, introducing a workplace parking levy. Each participating council will nominate:

• An elected local leader, ideally the most relevant cabinet member or committee chair
• A relevant officer

Participation in the programme is free for paid UK100 members, and those who commit to joining or upgrading to paid membership by 2nd October 2026. A participation fee of £1000 + VAT Applies for ally members. Contact membership@uk100.org to explore our full range of membership benefits.

Ready to apply?

Applications are open now, and close at 23:59 on Sunday 20th September. To apply, please complete the application form.

Please note that the application form requires you to nominate an elected leader and an officer from your local authority.