Leeds City Council has launched a formal consultation on its proposal to introduce parking charges in Wetherby and several other locations across Leeds.
This comes despite overwhelming opposition in an earlier informal consultation, where 97% of over 6,000 responses rejected the idea.
What Are the Proposals?
The council plans to introduce charges at Wilderness and Station Gardens car parks in Wetherby.
Wilderness Car Park: 1 hour free, then charges rising to £3.65 for a full day. A weekly ticket will cost £12.15. Intention Notice – Wilderness Wetherby Car Park, PPO5 – Wilderness Car Park Wetherby (1)
Station Gardens Car Park: 3 hours free, then £2.15 for up to 10 hours. A weekly ticket will cost £10.15. Intention Notice – Station Gardens Wetherby Car Park, PPO6 – Station Lane Car Park Wetherby
Disabled badge holders and motorcycles will be exempt.
Why Is This Important?
These charges could have a significant impact on Wetherby:
- Cost to workers – A full-time worker parking five days a week could face costs of up to £860 per year.
- Impact on businesses – Small businesses are already under pressure from increasing business rates and other economic challenges. Additional parking charges could deter shoppers and visitors.
- Residential parking issues – Charges may push more vehicles onto residential streets, increasing congestion and inconvenience for residents.
- Despite strong public and political opposition, the council is pressing ahead with the plan. However, there is still time to make your voice heard.
How to Respond
If you disagree with these proposals, submitting an objection is vital. The council must consider and respond to every objection, and strong public opposition could strengthen the case for a legal challenge.
Tips for Making an Effective Objection:
- Explain how the charges will affect you, your business, or your community.\
- Write in your own words – copied-and-pasted objections may be grouped together.
- Get family, friends, and colleagues to respond – every objection counts.
- Consider objecting to charges in all affected areas, not just Wetherby.
- You don’t have to live in Wetherby to object – anyone who visits or works here can have their say.
- Request a response by post – this ensures you receive a written reply from the council.
How to Submit Your Objection
You can object to the proposals by Friday 14 March 2025 via:
Email: districtcarparks@leeds.gov.uk
Post: Parking Services, Leeds City Council, P.O. Box 139, Leeds, LS9 1AA
Let’s make sure the voice of Wetherby is heard loud and clear!