Boots employs 7,500 locally.

It will eventually cost up to £450 per annum for each parking space at work.

The council says that it is having to act to discourage people from driving to work. It is concerned about the environmental impact of these journeys.

The council says that there is a highly efficient public transport system in Nottingham. It points out that the tram network will also increase the capacity of the transport system when completed.

The city council says research carried out at Oxford University shows the levy would have little impact on businesses, as long as the income from the parking charge goes towards transport improvements for the city.

Boots, which employs almost 7,500 people in the city, disagrees. It says the parking levy will deter companies from expanding in the city.

The local authority says it's now working on ideas to help firms cope with charges. It points out that money raised by the levy would help pay for the next phase of development of the tram system.