A business fears proposals to charge Cardiff employers thousands of pounds for staff parking could “cripple” employers in the city.
Larger firms could have to pay Cardiff Council £750 for each staff parking space, under plans due to be consulted on.
The AA said a so-called workplace parking levy could be viewed as a tax on workers, while others fear it could drive firms out of the city.
But some welcomed the extra money it would generate, which the council said would be used on public transport.
It said the money raised by the scheme would be spent on city transport projects like buses and cycle lanes, with the proposals aimed at encouraging workers to walk, cycle or use public transport.
Julie Keeler, 60, has run an engineering firm in the capital for 35 years, but believes the plan could put additional pressure on businesses.
“It’s crippling them – I think it will force them out,” she said.
Keeler said she had decided to close her firm and retire because of the costs being piled on to businesses.
“We go all over. We’ve had to lay off 25 people this year because of petrol, and [parking] zones – it’s not worth taking the job.
“You can’t put your prices up in this day and age – we’ve run it for 35 years, there’s no point”.
Keeler believes too much money has already been spent on cycle lanes in Cardiff.
“They should spend it on something else, I think we’re desperate for a lot more than cycle lanes,” she said.