Backlash grows against town parking charges plan

People in Wetherby have petitioned against the parking charge plans

Opposition is mounting to plans to introduce parking charges in a West Yorkshire town.

Drivers may soon have to pay to park at two public sites in Wetherby, under proposals being considered by Leeds City Council.

An online petition against the charges, started by local Conservative councillor Alan Lamb, has drawn more than 2,700 signatures.

The council says the idea is subject to consultation, but motivated by the need to plug a gaping hole in its finances.

Councillor Alan Lamb said charges would not raise the money hoped for by the council

Mr Lamb warned parking fees could be a "death knell" for the town centre.

He said: "We don't have a good bus service as an alternative.

"There's not good connectivity between the local villages.

"It's inevitable that it will put people off coming into town. Some will no doubt try to avoid the charges by parking on residential streets.

"I don't think this will raise the money the council thinks it will."

Consultation starting soon

Mr Lamb said the proposal could increase social isolation among the elderly and make it difficult for people to get to work in Wetherby.

"Behind each of the 3,000 signatures on the petition, there's 3,000 different stories about why this is a bad idea," he added.

A Leeds City Council spokesperson said: "As part of the council’s budget saving proposals, we will be starting consultation shortly on plans to introduce parking charges at the Wilderness and Station Gardens car parks in Wetherby.

“It is important that users of the car parks and local residents take part in the consultation, so that we can hear their views on the proposals.”

The local authority said the consultation would run online and be supported by an awareness campaign on social media.