Essex drivers could be the first in the country to be taxed for parking at work.
But the Essex County Council bid to reduce town centre congestion has been branded a "new tax for motorists".
County councillors on the environmental services board agreed to apply to the Government to become a "pilot authority" for its new workplace charging policy.
The scheme would see motorists charged for workplace parking, and the money ploughed back into improving public transport.
Tory spokesman Ron Williams said: "This is nothing more than a new tax for motorists."
But Colchester Liberal Democrat leader Ken Jones defended the move. "Charging for workplace parking will not work everywhere, but could prove to be valuable tool if used properly. Without piloting the idea we will never know.
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