Parking charges at Park & Ride sites in Wylde Green, Chester Road Stations, across Sutton Coldfield and Birmingham would hit commuters and residents with an unnecessary financial burden at the very moment the Council should be encouraging public transport use.

Park & Ride facilities cut congestion, reduce pollution, and make public transport more accessible. Charging to park will drive people back into their cars, worsening traffic, harming air quality, and undermining the Council’s own climate goals.

These car parks are not a luxury—they are essential. Many residents rely on them as their only practical link to public transport. Penalising people for making greener choices is entirely the wrong approach.

Transport for West Midlands has already highlighted rising traffic levels, and national transport bodies stress that Park & Ride schemes are vital in getting cars off the road. Introducing fees would push us in the opposite direction.

Instead of taxing commuters, the Council should improve public transport, increase frequency, and keep these car parks free so more people can leave the car at home.

We urge Labour Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority to drop any plans for Park & Ride parking charges. Don't punish those already reducing their carbon footprint—support them.

Please sign this petition to keep Park & Ride car parks free and accessible for all.