Nottingham's controversial workplace parking levy will come into force in April 2012, after gaining government approval last week. Under the scheme, companies with more than 10 parking spaces – about 15% of the city's businesses – will have to pay an annual £253 fee per parking space. All other companies will be exempt. Cllr Jane Urquhart, Nottingham City Council's portfolio holder for transport, said: ‘The fact that we have more than two years before the WPL is implemented gives us the opportunity to work with businesses to help develop more sustainable transport policies, encourage behavioural change and reduce congestion, which has a significant impact on business.'