Consultation into the ‘destination parks’ has started
Sheldon Country Park(Image: Birmingham Mail/Iain Findlay)
Public consultation into parking charges at a popular country park in Birmingham has started – and members of the public have aired their concerns ahead of a decision being made.
Birmingham City Council is running a formal consultation on whether it should charge motorists to park at Sheldon Country Park, a vast city green space, popular with Birmingham Airport plane spotters.
The local authority is also formally seeking the views of the public on introducing parking charges at Sutton Park in Sutton Coldfield, and Lickey Hills Country park.
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Council bosses said income from the proposed introduction of parking charges at all three major sites will contribute to ongoing upkeep and maintenance.
It suggested that the cash will also be used for future improvements to the parks.
The consultation for all three sites began on August 1 and will end on August 29 and Brummies have been urged to share their opinions on the “rate of charging and when you should be charged.”
Worried BirminghamLive readers have already shared their worry as the consultation period gets underway this summer holiday break.
Commenting on our Facebook post, Robert Smith said: “It’s a disgrace. They are public amenities, not business parks.”
Monica Lee Lee added: “It’s wrong it makes a cheap affordable day out not affordable for some.”
Referring to the history of Sutton Park, Alan Johnson said: “Sutton Park was given to the people of the town by Henry the Eighth [residents] should not have to pay. More revenue would be made from people parking on the pavements.”
An entrance to Sutton Park, Birmingham(Image: Nick Wilkinson/Birmingham Live)
On the ongoing proposals, Cllr Majid Mahmood, cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “We have some wonderful parks and green spaces across the city, but we need to be able to maintain them for the benefit of everyone. Introducing parking charges at these three major sites will help protect and maintain all our green spaces.
“Whether you use these parks for walking, cycling, exercising or meeting up with people, we want to hear your views on rate of charging and when you should be charged.
“We are also aware of potential impact of displacement parking and will therefore be looking at traffic restrictions in existing hotspot areas and any need for further restrictions following residents’ feedback.”
Details of proposed charges for three major city parks
Proposed pricing structure for Sheldon Country Park
- 75p hourly rate (per hour, for up to 3 hours)
- £3.50 all day (3 hours+)
- £52 season ticket (annual)
- Free for blue badge holders
Proposed pricing structure for Lickey Hills Country Park
- £1 hourly rate (per hour, for up to 4 hours)
- £5 all day (4 hours+)
- £28 coach parking (Beacon Hill only)
- £52 season ticket (annual)
- Free for blue badge holders
Proposed pricing structure for Sutton Park