Leeds City Council have shown how little love they have for our community and many others by choosing Valentines Day to launch their statutory consultation on their plans to introduce parking charges in Wetherby and a number of other locations across Leeds.  The charges could cost a full-time worker in the town up to £860 a year.  On top of National Insurance increases in the budget and increases in business rates payable by our small businesses, this could have a devastating impact on our Town Centre.

In addition, it is likely to massively increase the number of people trying to avoid the charges by parking on residential streets throughout the town.  In my view, this policy will cost the council more money that it raises and is totally counterproductive.

The council ignored the views of our community in their first, informal, consultation.  97% of more than 6000 responses were against the proposals.  Councillors of all parties urged the council to think again but they are still trying to press ahead.

Some will understandably ask, "what's the point in responding, they're going to do it anyway?"  It's a fair point but we have to try.  There is legal precedent of councils having decisions overturned when they have ignored the results of consultations, and I am exploring every option for a legal challenge.  The more responses we have, the stronger the case.

If you agree with me that these charges would be a disaster for the town, please make your views known to the council.  Here are my tips on what you might put in an objection.

• Talk about the impact it will have on you, the town, your business, relatives, friends etc.
• Try not to copy and paste from other people.  Sometimes, multiple identical objections can be counted as one.
• Get everyone in your household/business to respond.
• Consider submitting responses about all of the car parks affected this policy will be devastating for those communities too.
• You don't have to live in Wetherby to have your say.
• Encourage friends and relatives who use the town and may be affected or change their habits to submit objections too.
• If you're a business owner, please encourage your staff and customers to object.

Finally, the council must respond individually to everybody who objects.  You have the right to request that they reply to you by post, and I strongly recommend that you insist on this.

Full details of the proposals including a plan showing the affected area of car park, and the Statement of Reasons for the Order are available on request by e-mailing the address below. If you wish to object to, or make any representations concerning the proposed Order, you should write to Parking Services, Leeds City Council, P.O. Box 139, Leeds LS9 1AA; or e-mail districtcarparks@leeds.gov.uk specifying the grounds on which your objection or representation is made, by no later than Friday 14 March 2025.

Alan