Car park fees in five town centres to be scrapped

Businesses have welcomed the scrapping of parking charges in a number of town centre car parks in Leeds.

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

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

Penelope, who manages a hair salon in Wetherby, said it would make a "big difference" to her staff who have to pay for parking during their working hours.

Speaking about the decision, Gibson 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.

Penelope, who works at Westrow, said: "We are parking here all day, so that has been a challenge for us.

"That was costing about £15 a week, which is a lot of money out of your wages."

She said she had noticed it was difficult for clients too.

"When you're getting your hair done an hour isn't long enough, you need a little bit of extra time.

"Footfall has seemed to be a little less as well.

Wetherby is a nice little market town and we do have some nice shops, so it has been a shame.

"Hopefully Wetherby will be a lot better for it."

Reuben Smith, a barber in Wetherby, said: "It's good for Wetherby really.

"Before, people were parking round town and it was chaos, but now it will be better.

"I don't think people avoided town because of the charges, but now I think it's good for the community."

Jin, who works at Bel Sourire tea room, said it was "definitely good news".

"I think people were struggling for parking," she said.

"Most people who come here complain about the parking. You only get one hour of free parking, so people can't really enjoy the food - they just have to eat and go.

"I think the riverside parking now being free will definitely give us some more customers."

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."

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