City may end free parking for Sunday visitors

The city council is preparing to launch a consultation exercise that will help to shape its future car parking strategy and a report to be considered by senior councillors next week recommends that a review of current Sunday and evening parking policies should be considered.

The report points out that Leeds is one of only three of the country’s biggest cities to offer free parking on a Sunday – although neighbouring Bradford offers free car parking, as does Sheffield.

It says some privately-run car parks in the city charge on a Sunday and adds: “Some major retailers have informally expressed a view that the introduction of a Sunday charge would be beneficial in discouraging staff from occupying many of the available spaces, thereby increasing availability for shoppers and visitors and helping to alleviate some of the congestion problems experienced.

“However, any proposal would need to be attractive for shoppers and visitors and would been to be carefully considered.”

Coun Richard Lewis, executive member for development, said: “It is genuine consultation. There is no hidden agenda and these are things we need to give consideration to.

“Free Sunday parking is coming under review as part of the consultation. Tweaking car parking does have an effect on the city’s economy and that has to be taken into account.”

Other recommendations include that the council should continue developing park and ride proposals and car parking income should be ring-fenced for spending on transport infrastructure.

Coun Lewis added: “We need to make sure that our car parking strategy takes into consideration the new developments such as Leeds Arena and the Trinity and Eastgate schemes that are taking place in Leeds, and the increase in visits to the city centre that these will generate. The next step will be to take our proposals out to consultation with residents, commuters, visitors, businesses and local transport operators.”