Leeds scraps car park charges after public backlash

Summarised from 5 outlets · 6 reports · Updated 4 Nov, 14:27 · Archive

Leeds City Council has reversed its decision to charge for parking at five town centre car parks after a public consultation found widespread opposition.

Leeds City Council has decided to scrap parking charges at five town centre car parks following a public consultation and council review. The charges, which reached £3.65 a day, will be removed from 9 November. They were introduced in October 2025 at car parks in Wetherby, Horsforth, Garforth, Rothwell and Guiseley as part of measures to raise revenue and fund maintenance.

The scheme prompted strong opposition from residents, businesses and local councillors. Opponents argued that the charges damaged town centre trade and forced motorists to park on nearby residential streets. A public consultation launched in July found widespread opposition to the scheme across all affected areas.

James Gibson, Labour's executive member for environment at Leeds City Council, announced the decision. He said: "Having considered the findings of the follow up consultation and review, we have decided to remove the district parking charges introduced at these six car parks." He added that district centres play a vital role in supporting local businesses and communities.

Opposition councillors have welcomed the reversal. Green Party leader Penny Stables, who represents Wetherby, said the right decision had been made, though she expressed concern about public transport provision. She said: "Until we get a public transport system to Wetherby and villages that is fit for purpose, introducing parking charges is simply not fair, as so many have no other option but to drive." Conservative councillor Simon Seary said the decision was welcome news, adding that his party had been concerned charges could be extended to other areas including Pudsey.

Former Guiseley and Rawdon Conservative councillor Paul Alderson, who had organised a petition opposing the charges at Netherfield Road car park, said he was "absolutely delighted" at the announcement. Horsforth Town Council leaders, who had also opposed the charges, cited reduced footfall in the town's businesses as a key concern.

How it is being reported

• Car park fees in five town centres to be scrappedCharges in Wetherby, Horsforth, Garforth, Rothwell and Guiseley will be dropped, the authority says.BBC Leeds And West Yorkshire · 4 Nov, 13:48
• Council leaders scrap parking charges after public backlash in Leeds‘Welcome news’ as parking charges across Leeds are revoked by councilsYorkshire Evening Post · 4 Nov, 04:30
• Charges to be scrapped at district car parks after council reviewPARKING charges at a number of district car parks are set to be scrapped from next week after the council completed a review and public consultation into the controversial scheme.Telegraph & Argus · 3 Nov, 17:12
• Charges to be scrapped at district car parks after council reviewPARKING charges at a number of district car parks are set to be scrapped from next week after the council completed a review and public consultation into the controversial scheme.Wharfedale Observer · 3 Nov, 17:05
• ‘It hits you in the pocket’: Anger grows over plans to scrap free parking across districtPoliticians give views on scrapping two-hour free parkingYorkshire Evening Post · 2 Nov, 16:30
• Wakefield politicians give views on scrapping two hours free parkingPoliticians have given their views on Wakefield Council’s decision to scrap two-hour free parking.Yorkshire Post · 2 Nov, 15:25

In this story: Leeds City Council · Wetherby · Horsforth · Garforth · Rothwell · Guiseley · James Gibson · Paul Alderson

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