Leeds City Council is reviewing the impact of the parking charges introduced in Wetherby. This is an important opportunity for residents, businesses and visitors to explain what the charges have meant in practice.
I opposed their introduction and continue to believe they have been terrible for our town.
Wetherby is not Leeds city centre. It is a small market town serving many surrounding villages, where public transport is often limited and travelling by car is a necessity rather than a luxury.
In my view, the charges have:
• Made it more expensive and less convenient to support our local shops, cafés and businesses
• Discouraged the quick, spontaneous visits on which many independent traders rely
• Put Wetherby at a disadvantage compared with nearby towns and retail parks offering free parking
• Placed another cost on residents when household budgets are already under pressure
• Particularly affected older and less mobile residents who cannot easily walk into town
• Displaced vehicles onto nearby residential streets
• Made it harder for people from surrounding villages to access essential services in Wetherby
• Damaged the welcoming, accessible character that has always been one of our town’s greatest strengths
The original consultation produced an overwhelming response against the charges, but they were introduced anyway. This review must now be informed by clear evidence of what has happened since.
Please complete the survey and share your own honest experience—whether you agree with me or not. The more residents, businesses and visitors who respond, the harder it will be for decision-makers to overlook Wetherby’s voice.
Complete the Leeds City Council survey here:
https://surveys.leeds.gov.uk/s/PKNG26/
Please share this with friends, family and neighbours across Wetherby and the surrounding villages.