'This is the opposite of what our town centres and high streets need': MPs urge council to rethink plan to scrap two-hour free parking

Senior Reform UK councillors look set to vote in favour of ending the concession, which was reintroduced across the district under the previous Labour administration, at a meeting on Tuesday (October 20).

According to three of the district’s Labour MPs, thousands of residents have now signed a petition opposing the plans.

The council said last week that a review found two-hour free parking had “made little difference to footfall in city and town centres.”

Defending the changes, Keith Anderson, the council’s cabinet member for highways, transport and planning, said two-hour free parking was “unsustainable and irresponsible” as it had cost £1.8m since it was brought back last year.

Jade Botterill, MP for Ossett and Denby Dale, said she was urging councillors to “listen to residents and businesses before making a final decision.”

She said: “Free parking has helped local businesses get customers, elderly residents get into town, and community groups grow.

“This is the opposite of what our town centres and high streets need.

“It is clear that local people are against the council’s plan to scrap free parking in our town centre’s.

“Reform must listen to local people and rethink this shortsighted decision.”

Wakefield and Rothwell MP Simon Lightwood said: “The response to this petition shows just how strongly local people feel about these proposals.

“Thousands of residents have already signed because they understand what is at stake for our city and town centres.

“Free two-hour parking helps bring customers through the door, supports local businesses and makes it easier for people to access the shops and services they rely on.

“At a time when high streets are facing significant challenges, the last thing they need is an additional barrier that discourages people from visiting.

“Reform councillors now have a choice to make. They can listen to the residents, businesses and visitors who have made their views clear, or they can press ahead with these damaging proposals. I urge them to think again.”

Yvette Cooper, MP for Pontefract, Castleford & Knottingley said: “Free parking for shoppers has been a lifeline for local businesses in the five towns and across the district.

“We need support for our town centres not a plan that hits them hard.

“Thousands of people across the district have signed our petition because they see the positive impact the free parking has had on their local high street.”

Other proposed changes to be considered by the cabinet members include include increasing charges at most car parks, launching a consultation on the introduction of a £1 evening parking rate and “monitoring arrangements” for parking on Sundays.

Further recommendations in the report include introducing a free 30-minute on-street parking period and removing a 15p fee to pay for parking digitally.

The proposed £1 evening rate would apply between 6pm and 8am.

Coun Anderson previously said: “We’ve inherited a parking offer that the council was never able to afford and was unsustainable and irresponsible.

“This has resulted in the whole community effectively subsidising parking costs and it is putting services that residents rely on at risk.

“We’re taking the action needed to plug the black hole in our budget so we can start maintaining our car parks better, improve our whole parking offer and do the right thing for local taxpayers.”

The document also proposes introducing on-street parking charges in Horbury, as well as making changes to resident permit and season ticket charges.

It recommends re-instating off-street tariffs based on those in place in April 2024 but adjusted for inflation.

Coun Anderson said: “Council-run car parks will remain very competitive for parking when compared with both private operators and other major destinations across our region.

“The 30 minutes free on-street parking and removal of the convenience charge are affordable and practical and will help motorists and businesses.

“Put together, this is a balanced and responsible parking offer that delivers value for money.

“It makes sure we can improve these services for our residents and can support the businesses who rely on good quality parking for their customers, whilst not financially impinging on other essential council services funding.”