Fees to be scrapped at two Wetherby car parks

Controversial parking charges in two of Wetherby’s car parks will be scapped from Monday November 9.

Following a public consultation, Leeds City Council announced on Monday that it will no longer charge people to park in the Wilderness and Station Gardens sites.

In a statement issued to local councillors the city council said: “Please note that a delegated decision has now been taken to revoke all parking charges in the following car parks: Wilderness and Station Gardens, Wetherby; Fink Hill, Horsforth; Barleyhill Road, Garforth; Marsh Street, Rothwell; Netherfield Road, Guiseley.

“The charges will be removed at these locations with effect from Monday 9 November.”.

Leeds City Council announced the review last July, despite it estimating that the charges, introduced in October 2025, were raising almost £340,000 a year.

Wetherby Ward Coun Penny Stables (Green) told the Wetherby News that the review stated at Wilderness, 89 per cent of respondents had a negative view of the scheme, while at Station Gardens the figure was 86 per cent.

“Around four in five respondents at both car parks wanted all charges removed,” said Coun Stables.

“The council's own report acknowledges that parking charges have had a greater negative impact than originally expected, with concerns about damage to local economies and vehicles being displaced into residential streets.

She added: "This is brilliant news for Wetherby, and credit where it's due – Leeds City Council has listened.

“The figures speak for themselves. People didn't want these charges, and now they're going.”

Wetherby Conservative councillor Alan Lamb said he was delighted with the latest decision.

“We promised that we wouldn’t let this go and I’m delighted to share that parking charges at our car parks in Wetherby will be scrapped from next week.

“They should never have been introduced in the first place.

“The 97 per cent of people who signed my petition were opposed and they have been the disaster that we all predicted.”

Councillor Lamb’s facebook announcement resulted in a strong reaction.

Edna Hilditch commented: “Brilliant news Alan, well done to all who fought against these charges.”

Christine Mitchell added: “That’s good news. Let’s hope businesses in the town benefit from this reversal.

“I’ll certainly come into Wetherby more often knowing it’ll be free to park.”

Kayleigh Kavanagh said: “Fantastic news. I hope the parking on Deighton Road and York Road will stop.”