§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has(a) to reduce the number of car parking spaces available for use by staff and (b) to introduce charges for staff using workplace car parking spaces. [32454]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienAt present, the Home Office has no plans to reduce the number of, or introduce charges for, car parking spaces for staff. However, as part of our environmental strategy, those with responsibility for the larger buildings on the estate will be asked to review their car parking policy. The scope for reducing, or charging for, car parking spaces will be dependent on local circumstances and, in particular, the availability of adequate public transport. It is also important that any car parking policy takes into account equal opportunities, including the needs of staff with child care responsibilities or medical conditions which preclude their use of public transport. The current policy for the Home Office Central 521W London Estate reflects this by allocating regular car parking spaces for commuting purposes only to staff falling into these categories.