A FIGHTING fund may be set up to pay for a legal challenge to the first workplace parking levy to be approved by a local authority.

Earlier this month, Nottingham City Council approved the tax on businesses with more than 10 parking spaces for staff.

The charge, thought to be around £250 per place when it is brought in, in April, 2012, is hoped to raise around £14m per year.

But yesterday Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce said it would be writing to businesses asking them to contribute to a “fighting fund” to combat the decision.

Head of policy John Dowson said: “We will be writing to all those on our database that we think are likely to be affected to assess their views about whether they want to contribute towards a fighting fund for legal remedies. We had a meeting yesterday of businesses to discuss what to do.

“The Chamber of Commerce can’t afford to go it alone, but what we can do is co-ordinate those who can do it.”

Mr Dowson said the future of the levy could still change, if the Government did, but he said they were preparing for a fight anyway.

He added: “In the meantime, we do feel the whole process of consultation was very poor.

“We are seeing how much people are prepared to put in.

“I dare say what we’ll do when we get the responses is have another meeting of those who are willing to help.”

Earlier this month, Nottingham City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Transport, Jane Urquhart, said all money raised would be used for public transport improvements, including the construction of two more tram lines.

She said: “As most traffic congestion in Nottingham is caused by people driving to work, we believe it is only fair that employers contribute to providing better public transport.”