Jack Conlon & Heidi TomlinsonYorkshire
HEIDI TOMLINSON/BBCResidents and business owners in towns around Leeds have been left angry after the introduction of charges to previously free local car parks.
From 6 October, drivers will be allowed an hour’s free parking but will have to pay for any longer stays.
Car parks in Wetherby, Horsforth, Garforth, Rothwell and Guiseley will all be affected.
Leeds City Council said the fees collected will be used to fund “improvement and maintenance” at the sites.
Local business owners have expressed concerns about how the tariffs will impact them financially and logistically.
Andrew Crampton owns a car repairs garage in Rothwell based in the Marsh Street car park – one of those affected by the change in policy.
“I’ve been worrying about it for a long time,” he said. “It will affect business, there will be people that go elsewhere.
HEIDI TOMLINSON/BBC“I have actually tried to ring Leeds City Council parking services but as soon as I mentioned Marsh Street, I was hung up on. The lack of discussion has been a problem.”
He added: “All the local business owners are of the same mindset where we should work alongside the council and vice versa, whereas there’s an ‘us and them’ attitude now. They don’t seem to be bothered about the consequences.”
Leeds City Council argued the charges were necessary to maintain the car parks and “combat the problem people have with being able to find a parking spot in busy areas”.
Mohammed Rafique, executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: “We are facing unprecedented budget challenges impacting all our service areas.
“Keeping the first hour free will help support short trips and maintain footfall for local businesses but also encourage turnover.”
Workers in the Rothwell area estimated they will now have to pay approximately £600 annually to keep parking in Marsh Street.
Mia Roberts, who works at a furniture shop in Rothwell, has called the new tariffs “infuriating”.
“Everybody has always parked in this car park,” she said. “It’s not fair on us, it’s not fair on all the other independent businesses in Rothwell that have been running for years.
“This car park has been here for 20 or 30 years and it’s never been an issue up until now.
“Rothwell is such a community spirit-based place, it will have such a negative impact.”
The charges apply from Monday to Saturday, between 08:00 and 18:00 BST.
