BUSINESSES could be forced to fund Oxford's 'ambitious' transport vision as plans to introduce a workplace parking levy take a step closer.

About 1,500 businesses in the city will be asked to reveal how many parking spaces they own and how their employers get to work so that Oxfordshire County Council can figure out how much revenue the levy (WPL) would generate.

The county council has unveiled its vision for a futuristic Oxford, which could include tunnels under the city for buses, driverless pods and the re-opening of the Cowley branch line.

But transport bosses warned the city would have to generate its own income rather than rely on Government funding.

Council leader Ian Hudspeth refused to rule out a congestion charge but the plea to businesses was 'geared towards' introducing a workplace parking levy.

Mr Hudspeth said: "Doing nothing is not an option.

"Some of the ideas we will be putting forward may not be popular with everyone, but unless we find a way to change gear, the city faces more congestion in the years to come."

In November the council's cabinet resolved to spend £100,000 exploring how a WPL and a possible congestion charge could be implemented.

Nottingham is only city in the UK with a WPL, which has generated £9m a year and helped fund its tram service and train station redevelopment.

Employers with 10 or fewer spaces are exempt from charges, while those with more pay £387 per place per year.

The survey will work out how much Oxford could gain from the levy before a potential public consultation.

Mr Hudspeth said: "It's about finding out how many parking spaces there are in the city and understanding how people travel around the city and understanding what potential revenue could be generated.

The results will be used to decide whether a WPL will be implemented and also whether its scope would be the city centre or extended to include all businesses within the ring road.

Several major employers including both universities, BMW, Unipart and Oxfam have already been approached and letters to hundreds more will follow next week.

BMW, which has 1,100 parking spaces at its Cowley factory, said it would respond to the council's request for information but added it was 'concerned' the scheme would add to its already significant operating costs.

The firm also pointed out that many of its staff travel to work from outside the city and parking spaces were vital.

Both universities said they wanted to help find a solution to the city's congestion problems and would help shape the proposals.

Spokesman for Oxford Brookes, Matthew Butler, said: "Oxford Brookes remains committed to reducing dependence on cars amongst all users of its campuses and supports a range of sustainable travel options to help tackle congestion and reduce air pollution.

"We are aware of proposals set out by Oxfordshire County Council in relation to managing the city’s transport network.

"We await further detail and, alongside other employers, look forward to taking part in the research and consultation activities to help shape these plans."

Matt Pickles, spokesman for Oxford University, said: "We share the concerns about congestion in Oxford and also share the desire to find solutions.

"We will complete the survey and continue to work closely with the County Council on transport issues."

The council will be collecting responses and could launch an official consultation in February.