Flexible transport plans could be way forward

Ian explains: "Under current benefit arrangements a professional who needs a company car to get to clients across the Midlands on one day, will also drive into the city centre the next day to get to the office, despite the fact that public transport is probably the most convenient mode of transport for the latter. One solution would be for the employee to hand back their city centre parking benefit in return for a £1,000 season ticket for the train. Office days would then become public transport days with a reduction in demand for the road network, while the employee would retain the company car for client meetings requiring longer distance travel.

"This approach could have considerable benefits for the employer. The average annual rental cost of a parking space is £2,500. So for a businesses occupying 100,000 sq ft (= 50 spaces) the total cost would be £125,000, plus rates in some cases. A more flexible system, as outlined above, could deliver an immediate cash benefit of nearly £40,000, even if only half of the 50 employees with parking spaces took up the offer."

I think what makes this idea so workable from the start is that it is based on the needs of the individual, and therefore is much more likely to see immediate and sustained take-up. But I'd be interested to know what you think - post a comment on this blog to add your voice to the debate.