Council confirms car park charges to be imposed

Plans to scrap free parking at six sites around Leeds have been confirmed.

Charges will be introduced at car parks in Horsforth, Guiseley, Garforth and Rothwell, as well as two sites in Wetherby, to help Leeds City Council plug a multi-million pound budget gap.

The authority was challenged to reconsider the plan but took a final decision to proceed at an executive board meeting on Wednesday.

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, executive member for green spaces, told the meeting: "The proposal forms a critical part of our budget objectives."

The plan was opposed strongly when it went to consultation in December last year.

Surveys found between 84% and 96% of respondents were against charges and thousands of people signed petitions against the plan.

The council has said it faces a budget gap of more than £100m in 2025/26 and had overspent by around £20m in the current financial year.

Speaking at the meeting, Leeds Conservative leader Alan Lamb urged the council to scrap charges.

He said: "Even Labour members of this council think this is a mistake and you should think again.

"People across this city think this is a bad idea."

However, the council said not proceeding with charges would add more than £400,000 to its budget problems.

Lamb, who represents Wetherby, said the authority could face legal action from people opposed to the charges, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

He said: "I believe it will come under judicial review if this decision is taken."

Fees will apply at Wilderness and Station Gardens in Wetherby, Fink Hill in Horsforth, Barleyhill Road in Garforth, Marsh Street in Rothwell and Netherfield Road in Guiseley.

Blue badge holders will be exempt from the payments while drivers will get up to one hour for free, then pay £1.15 for two hours, rising to a daily maximum of £3.65.

Weekly tickets will be priced at £12.15.

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