Storm over ‘unfair’ new parking charges

Later this week, councillors will be asked to approve the introduction of new charges for residential parking permits and parking on evenings and Sundays, which could bring in £200,000 a year.

But Coun Andrew Carter, leader of the Conservative Group at Leeds City Council, has said the plans could be devastating for the local economy.

He said: “It’s economic madness.

“We should be encouraging people into shopping centres as much as we can.

“Everyone knows the high street is struggling at the moment.

“Why the council would bring in charges that will only push people out of town or online is simply beyond me.”

Leeds City Council is currently consulting on the controversial plans, which could generate an additional £200,000 a year.

But Coun Carter has submitted alternative budget proposals that would see the same amount of money made up in savings in council bureaucracy, for example banning the purchase of new furniture.

He added: “The proposals would hit motorists whether they want to park outside their home or in the city centre.

“People have a right to park within a reasonable distance of their home without having to pay for the privilege – parking permits were brought in to allow this but to charge them for the privilege, on top of the amount motorists pay already, is simply unfair.

“We have put forward alternative proposals that would stop these unfair charges dipping further into hard pressed motorists’ pockets.”

The car park charge proposals are part of a wider aim to claw back cash in order to shave £51m off the city’s overall budget and will be debated at the full council meeting on February 27.