Mark your calendars! Leeds City Council is introducing parking charges at six car parks across Leeds from October 6th to fund vital improvements and better manage parking. At places like Wilderness in Wetherby and Fink Hill in Horsforth, the first hour is free, with costs rising to a maximum of £3.65 daily, while blue badge holders blissfully park for free!
What are the new parking charges at six Leeds car parks and why are they being introduced?
Leeds City Council is introducing parking charges at six car parks from October 6th to fund improvements and better manage parking. The first hour (or three at Station Gardens) is free, with charges up to £3.65 daily. Blue badge holders park free.
Introduction of New Parking Charges in Leeds
Leeds City Council has announced that modest parking charges will be introduced at six car parks across the wider Leeds area. This initiative seeks to generate funds for improvements, enhance accessibility, and provide better management for some of the city’s busiest parking locations. Starting from October 6th, drivers utilizing these car parks will be subject to a fee structure designed to balance affordability with the need for upkeep and efficiency.
The car parks impacted by this decision include Wilderness and Station Gardens in Wetherby, Fink Hill in Horsforth, Barleyhill Road in Garforth, Marsh Street in Rothwell, and Netherfield Road in Guiseley. According to the council, these locations were selected due to their high usage and ongoing challenges with availability. The council aims to ensure smoother parking turnover and support for local businesses through these changes, while safeguarding access for vulnerable groups.
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment, and green space, emphasized the financial pressures facing the local authority. He stated, “Just as many local authorities across the country, we are facing unprecedented budget challenges impacting all our service areas. We have therefore taken the decision to introduce small charges at the six car parks in question, to be able to fund improvements and maintenance.”
Details of the New Parking Charges and Accessibility Measures
A clear and structured fee system has been outlined for the six designated car parks. For most locations, the first hour of parking will remain free, providing an incentive for short stays and helping to maintain footfall for local shops and services. After the initial free hour, drivers will pay £1.15 for up to two hours, with costs increasing to a daily maximum of £3.65. Those with regular parking needs can opt for a weekly ticket priced at £12.15.
At Wetherby’s Station Gardens, where the car park is heavily used by sports teams, the council has tailored the charges to accommodate these needs. Here, parking is free for the first three hours, followed by a daily charge of £2.15 or a weekly ticket for £10.15. This adjustment reflects the specific community usage patterns at this location, balancing the needs of both visitors and local organizations.
The fee schedule is designed to be as inclusive as possible. Blue badge holders, who often face additional challenges in accessing parking, will continue to park free of charge at all six sites. This provision ensures compliance with accessibility standards and demonstrates the council’s ongoing commitment to supporting people with disabilities.
Operational Hours, Payment Methods, and Security
The new parking charges will apply from Monday to Saturday, between the hours of 8am and 6pm. By restricting charges to these time frames, the council aims to minimize disruption to evening and overnight users, while focusing on the times of highest demand. The council believes that this targeted approach will help improve car park turnover and make it easier for people to find available spaces during the busiest periods.
To facilitate ease of payment, multiple methods will be available for drivers. Payments can be made at on-site machines using contactless bank cards, providing a quick and hygienic option for users. In addition, the PayByPhone parking app will be supported, allowing motorists to pay remotely and even extend their stay if needed. The council has also taken the opportunity to remind users that it will never request payment via QR codes, a measure designed to prevent fraud and enhance security for residents and visitors alike.
Councillor Rafique highlighted, “Keeping the first hour free, the first three at Station Gardens in Wetherby, will help support short trips and maintain footfall for local businesses but also encouraging turnover.” This is especially relevant in the context of modern retail and hospitality environments, where convenience for short-term visitors is a key factor in supporting economic activity.
Supporting Local Businesses and Community Turnover
A central aim of the new parking policy is to stimulate local economies by ensuring that parking spaces are available for short-term users. The council believes that free short-stay parking will encourage shoppers and visitors to make quick trips to local businesses without the deterrent of high parking costs. This approach is designed to benefit high street retailers, cafes, and service providers who rely on regular, high-volume customer visits.
The introduction of charges is also expected to address the ongoing problem of space shortages in busy areas. By dis-incentivizing all-day parking by commuters or long-term users, the council hopes to increase turnover and availability for those making shorter visits. This strategy has been adopted in other cities with positive outcomes, leading to more equitable access to parking for residents and visitors alike.
Leeds City Council’s move is part of a wider trend among local authorities across the UK as they seek ways to manage growing budgetary pressures. For further details on council parking policies, see the Leeds City Council parking information page. The modest nature of the fees aims to balance the need for revenue with the need to maintain accessibility and convenience for the public. As Councillor Rafique noted, these charges are “hopeful that the charges will help combat the problem people have with being able to find a parking spot in busy areas.”
- Leeds City Council is introducing parking charges at six car parks from October 6th to fund improvements and better manage parking.
- The car parks include Wilderness and Station Gardens in Wetherby, Fink Hill in Horsforth, Barleyhill Road in Garforth, Marsh Street in Rothwell, and Netherfield Road in Guiseley.
- For most locations, the first hour of parking is free, with costs rising to a maximum of £3.65 daily or a weekly ticket for £12.15.
- Blue badge holders will continue to park free of charge at all six sites.
- The new parking charges will apply from Monday to Saturday, between 8 am and 6 pm, with payment options including on-site machines and the PayByPhone app.