Car park fees in five town centres to be scrapped

Charges in a number of town centre car parks around Leeds have been scrapped after a public consultation was held.

The charges - of up to £3.65 a day - were introduced last October in Wetherby, Horsforth, Garforth, Rothwell and Guiseley.

James Gibson, Labour's executive member for environment at Leeds City Council, said the charges would be abolished with effect from 9 November.

He said: "Having considered the findings of the follow up consultation and review, we have decided to remove the district parking charges introduced at these six car parks."

"District centres play a vital role in supporting local businesses, providing services and bringing communities together," he added.

"Having carefully considered the feedback and findings from the wider review, we have taken the decision to remove the charges introduced in 2025."

The decision has been welcomed by opposition councillors, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Pudsey Conservative member Simon Seary said on social media: "This is welcome news.

"We have watched the introduction of these charges with concern, worried that Pudsey could eventually be next."

Leeds Green Party leader Penny Stables said bus services in her Wetherby ward should be brought to a better standard.

Stables said: "It has taken a whole year and a lot of pain along the way, but the right decision has now been made.

"Until we get a public transport system to Wetherby and villages that is fit for purpose, introducing parking charges is simply not fair, as so many have no other option but to drive."

Horsforth Town Council leaders also opposed the charges, saying businesses in the town were suffering from reduced footfall.

The council report said the fees raised more than £330,000 per year, but non-compliance with the charges was higher than expected.

The consultation also found the drivers were parking on surrounding streets to avoid paying for car parks.

The council report said: "Local views are that completely free parking will support the local economies with greater footfall and longer stays by shoppers and visitors.

"It should end the displacement of vehicles into other areas and represents the best use of the car parks as local assets."

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.