28/01/23 - We did it!
Just a brief update about this campaign. Leeds City Council has decided to scrap the parking charges after “gauging public opinion”…!
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-64417091
The fact that over 9,000 people signed the petition in three weeks demonstrated that the residents of Leeds were not happy about the proposals to introduce parking charges. We understand that Leeds City Council is facing unprecedented rises in costs and sympathise with these challenges but introducing parking charges is not the panacea. I’m so very pleased that they listened to your views.
Thank you so much for signing the petition and lending your name and voice to this campaign. The people of Leeds truly are exceptional. What a marvellous bunch you are!
Thanks, again. All the best.
Brian
Leeds City Council is planning to introduce parking charges at some green spaces in Leeds later this year.
The charges will apply to Roundhay Park, Golden Acre Park, Middleton Park, Kirkstall Abbey, Chevin Forest Park, and Temple Newsam.
It’s utterly ridiculous that Leeds City Council would entertain this notion during their own self-appointed Year of Culture. The charge may only be starting at 40p per hour but it will be a slippery slope before it rises £2 per hour.
I have created this petition to encourage Leeds City Council to reconsider imposing ludicrous parking charges on our parks and green spaces.
Why is this important?
Leeds City Council is cash-strapped and, in an attempt to boost their coffers, they want to take away free parking at our popular and much-needed parks. The residents of Leeds are cash-strapped too and many people who are lonely use the parks as a social outlet to meet other people. Many families use the parks as their primary way of entertaining their children. These parks provide a large space for families and friends to meet up for celebrations and outdoor walks. Activities such as fun runs, exercise classes, boot camps, charity walks, bird watching, picnics, family games of football/cricket/rounders etc take place across all of these parks. Furthermore, at least four of these spaces are used for Park Runs which encourages people to exercise for free regardless of ability or age. Imposing parking charges will discourage participation in all of these activities and exclude many people from accessing these wonderful green spaces.
Please sign this petition and share with your family and friends. Thank you.