Council could reverse car park charges plan

Birstall High Street is among 15 car parks that could see charges for motorists staying longer than two hours

A council could reverse its controversial plans to introduce car park charges following feedback from thousands of residents across the borough.

Kirklees Council said its cabinet members would also approve a smaller increase in the cost of residents’ parking permits at a meeting on 8 October.

Proposals to introduce charges at 57 free car parks as well as annual renewal charges for residential car parking permits were announced last November.

Munir Ahmed, cabinet member for environment and highways, said the council had since "listened to concerns", adding: "We think the new plans are proportionate and fairer for residents and businesses."

Under the new plans, 42 council car parks would remain free to use, with the 15 other car parks free for the first two hours.

The car parks where charges would be introduced are:

• Batley – Field Lane, Henrietta Street, Market Place, New Way, Station Road, Wards Hill

• Birstall – High Street

• Cleckheaton – Crown Street, St Johns Road/Bradford Road, Town Hall Rear (Church St)

• Holmfirth – Huddersfield Road

• Marsden – Standedge

• Meltham – Carlisle Street

• Mirfield – Station Road

• Slaithwaite – New Street

The plans would also see the cost of a residential parking permit increase to £35 a year, down from an initial proposal of £50, which represented a 200% increase.

A 30% discount would be available for Kirklees Passport holders, the council said.

A council spokesperson said the new charge for residential permits would bring the cost in line with neighbouring schemes in Bradford and Calderdale.

Ahmed said thousands had taken part in public consultations about the charges, prompting a re-think.

"Unfortunately the current financial climate means the council is no longer able to sustain the price freeze," he said.

“The proposed introduction of parking fees and increases to residential permits are not decisions we take lightly and it’s important we balance the financial needs of the council whilst taking into consideration local views.”

If approved, the new charges would be introduced "as soon as possible", the council spokesperson said.

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