Today the SNP and the Greens voted against Scottish Conservative attempts to limit the damage of the car park tax.
Scottish Conservative MSPs lodged dozens of amendments to exempt people from all over Scotland from the charge, including the police, fire services and carers.
Scottish Conservatives in the Borders have been clear about their opposition to the Scottish Government plans to introduce a ‘workplace parking levy’, where employers will be charged an annual tax based on how many parking spaces they provide for their employees.
Scottish Borders Council have been clear no such workplace parking levy will be introduced in the Borders, however, it could affect those who commute by car to Edinburgh. It is estimated that 3,300 people commute daily to the capital from the Borders.
SNP-led Edinburgh City Council has considered introducing such a levy.
Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire MSP, Rachael Hamilton said:
“The SNP have teamed up with the Green Party to tax people to park at work, which is simply ludicrous and poorly-thought through given it could affect commuters from outside the city.
“I am glad that Scottish Borders Council agreed not to introduce the workplace car parking levy, however this cannot be said of all Scottish local authorities.
“If Edinburgh City Council adopts this outrageous measure, it will affect thousands of Borderers who commute to the city.
“The Scottish Conservatives have tried to stop this ridiculous form of taxation, which ultimately punishes people for simply turning up to work!”