Business in London this week pledged to fight any plans to introduce a workplace parking tax which they claim would cripple the capital's economy. Deputy prime minister John Prescott (above) and his powerful Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions have continually battled to find ways of forcing car owners out of their vehicles and onto public transport in an effort to cut congestion. Such a move could prove expensive for accountancy firms which have offices in the City and elsewhere in London. Led by the London Chamber of Commerce, which represents more than 3,000 businesses in the capital, industry chiefs have said that the controversial new taxes, recently outlined in a government study, would hit businesses for £500m a year. Consultants Halcrow Fox have made recommendations claiming employers would be stung by a £3,000 levy for each parking space they provide for staff and visitors in the centre of the capital. They also recommend charges of £1,000 in other parts of the capital. The chamber estimates the total cost to business would be £470m.

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