Plans for parking charges at beauty spots 'unfair'

The council said the proposals would help "sustain, protect and maintain" the city's 660 parks and green spaces

Proposals for car parking charges at three Birmingham beauty spots have been criticised as "unfair" and against residents' wishes as the cash-strapped council tries to make savings.

Birmingham City Council has proposed introducing charges at Sutton Park in Sutton Coldfield, Lickey Hills Country Park and Sheldon Country Park.

Last week it appealed for the views of visitors, residents and businesses, as part of a three-week informal consultation, prior to a formal one.

The Labour-run council said the principle of charging was agreed for the 2025/26 budget, to achieve savings and “help sustain, protect and maintain” the city’s 660 parks and green spaces.

Reacting to the proposals for the three parks, Adrian Delany, Conservative councillor for Rubery and Rednal, said it could mean “Labour’s double whammy of higher taxes for fewer services spreads ever further”.

He continued: “We’ve been in this situation with the city’s country parks like the Lickey Hills in the past and residents are also clear that they don’t want these charges introduced.

“This is a cynical attempt by panicked Labour politicians.”

Sutton Park in Sutton Coldfield is one of the spaces earmarked to introduce parking charges

Conservative councillor David Pears described the proposed charges as “unfair”.

“Time and time again, the Labour administration has attempted to introduce these parking charges,” he said.

“Every time, residents have been clear that they strongly oppose these charges at Sutton Park.”

He expressed concern fewer people could pursue outdoor exercise in green spaces if the charges were introduced.

Councillor Richard Parkin (Conservative, Sutton Reddicap) also urged residents to say no to the proposals and said an emergency public meeting would be held on 27 November at Sutton Town Hall.

Earlier this year, the local authority passed a wave of service cuts after declaring itself effectively bankrupt.

Councillor Majid Mahmood, cabinet member for environment and transport at the council, said Birmingham has “fantastic” green spaces, with “great facilities” across the city.

“But we need to be able to maintain them for the benefit of everyone,” he said in a statement.

“Our green spaces are vital parts of communities as well as being popular for visitors from further afield, so please let us know your thoughts.

“We would like to know your views on what you think are appropriate charges and when you should be charged.”