By Don Mort, local democracy reporter
City leaders will be asked to suspend parking charges at parks and town centres – including Horsforth – when councillors debate the issue.
The “negative impact” of charges at parks including Roundhay and Golden Acre parks will be discussed at a Leeds City Council meeting.
Alan Lamb, leader of the city’s Conservative group, has tabled a motion against the charges, introduced in February this year.
Cllr Alan Lamb, Leader of Leeds Conservative group. Photo: LDRS
The council has said the charges would fund better facilities at the parks and help address a multi-million pound budget gap.
The motion said: “This council regrets the administration’s decision to introduce car park charges in parks and district centres and the hugely negative impact this is having on local communities.”
Coun Lamb, who represents Wetherby, said not enough cash was being raised to justify introducing the charges.
The motion said the number of visitors to the parks had reduced since the charges were brought in and people were choosing to park on nearby streets.
It said: “Council also notes that revenue collected from some car parks has been minimal, undermining the financial case for charging as a way of addressing the council’s budget position.”
Charges were brought in at places including Otley Chevin, Marsh Street in Rothwell, Netherfield Road in Guiseley and Barley Hill Lane in Garforth.
Fink Hill, next to Horsforth Hall Park, Wilderness and Station Gardens in Wetherby, Middleton Park Bike Hub and Temple Newsam were also affected.
The Labour-controlled council will debate Coun Lamb’s motion at a meeting at Leeds Civic Hall on Wednesday (January 14).
Drivers can pay £4 per day at the parks or buy an annual season ticket for £80, around £1.50 a week. Blue badge holders are exempt from the charges.
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