Beauty spot council parking charges plan approved

Car parking will be implemented at five sites icluding Otley Chevin

Parking charges are to be introduced at several beauty spots in Leeds despite public unhappiness to the plans.

Visitors to five sites, including Otley Chevin Forest Park, Golden Acre Park and Temple Newsam, will be charged a "modest fee" to use the car parks which are currently free.

Leeds City Council said charging was the only viable option to fund improvements to its parks given its budget shortfall.

A consultation carried out showed "clear opposition" to the proposals.

The council said it hoped by bringing in charges it would encourage people to walk instead of using their cars

Car parking charges will also be introduced at Roundhay Park and Middleton Park bike hub.

In addition, the council has approved a two-hour maximum stay at Oakwood Clock car park.

The charges for vehicles would be set at £1 for up to two hours, £2.50 for half a day and £4 for a full day.

The authority said blue badge holders and coach parking would remain free while annual permits would be available for regular visitors.

In a report, the council outlined a number of benefits to the introduction of fees and said it would encourage more people to consider walking, car sharing or using public transport to visit the parks.

It added: "The reduction in car use that could potentially result as an outcome of this proposal would also contribute to cleaner, healthier air in the city."

'Exhausted all alternatives'

A spokesperson for the council said "substantial investment" was needed so residents could enjoy the open spaces in the long term.

"Following the consultation on car parking we have reviewed our options and have exhausted all alternatives to fund improvements in our parks, given the scale of challenge across the council.

“Income from car parking charges will help ensure we can continue to maintain the quality of our parks and greenspaces for the people who use them.

The authority said bringing in charges had to follow "a statutory process" and could be implemented later in the year.

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