Leeds City Council to Implement Parking Fees

Leeds City Council projects that the introduction of charges at six car parks could generate over £330,000 annually. The authority intends to discontinue free parking at these locations, which are situated in Wetherby, Horsforth, Garforth, Rothwell, and Guiseley. The proposal faced significant opposition when it underwent consultation in December of the previous year. Surveys revealed that between 84% and 96% of respondents were against the charges, and thousands of individuals signed petitions opposing the changes. A council report noted: “This is not surprising given that people are being asked to pay for something that they have considered to be free.” The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) reported that the council plans to proceed with the charges, which would be active from 08:00 to 16:00, Monday through Saturday, as it confronts a multimillion-pound budget shortfall. If the proposals are approved, fees will be applied at Wilderness and Station Gardens in Wetherby, Fink Hill in Horsforth, Barleyhill Road in Garforth, Marsh Street in Rothwell, and Netherfield Road in Guiseley. The council’s report indicated that the estimated total annual revenue from charges at the six sites would be £335,500. Drivers would receive up to one hour of free parking, subsequently paying £1.15 for two hours, with a daily maximum charge of £3.65. Weekly tickets would be priced at £12.15. Blue badge holders would be exempt. Charges would be reduced at the Wetherby Station Gardens car park, where up to three hours would be free due to its usage by sports teams.