Retail bosses are calling for “safeguards” to apply if councils bring in controversial workplace parking charges.

The Scottish Retail Consortium made the plea after the Scottish Government issued guidance to local authorities on the introduction of workplace parking levies.

But David Londsdale, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said if there could not be a “pause” in the policy to help businesses still recovering from the Covid pandemic, there should be some safeguards.

These, he suggested, could include a cap on the amount that councils can charge firms that provide parking spaces at work for their staff, as well as having “consistency” among councils that bring in the charge and a “sunset provision” to limit how long they apply for.

It is for councils to decide whether they want to use the powers to charge a levy.

Earlier this year Glasgow City Council said it was actively considering the powers but no decision has yet been taken on putting a levy in place.

It is expected it could take a number of years before a scheme is implemented.

Edinburgh City Council is reported to have agreed its exploration of the charge, with a view to introducing a levy.

David Lonsdale, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said: “Workplace parking levies are a charter for extra cost and complexity.

“It would see firms taxed twice for the parking places they provide for staff, on top of the business rates already paid on those spaces.

“In the absence of a pause on their implementation to aid the recovery then safeguards should apply – including a cap on the amount that can be charged, a sunset provision as is the case with Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), and consistency amongst councils implementing any levy.”

Guidance published by the Scottish Government this week gives local authorities the power to decide “key elements” of any workplace parking levy that is introduced – including the area in which it would apply, the amount of the charge and on local exemptions.

However, parking places reserved for blue badge holders would be exempt from any schemes, as well as parking places at hospices and certain parking places at NHS sites.

And councils that want to introduce a workplace parking levy would first have to carry out a consultation and impact assessment.

A spoeksperson for Glasgow City Council said: “We are continuing to explore the potential of a workplace parking licensing scheme for Glasgow, but work is still at an early stage.

“Any proposals for a scheme will be put before elected members for a decision before any measures are progressed.

“If the go-ahead is given, consultation with the wider public will be central to the development of a workplace parking scheme.”

Transport minister Jenny Gilruth said: “The workplace parking levy is a key tool which empowers local councils in encouraging people out of their cars and on to more sustainable modes of transport.

“This is vitally important if we are to reach a 20% reduction in car kilometres by 2030.”