Parking charge change ‘a kick in the teeth for businesses’

LEADERS AT Calderdale Council have come under criticism over the introduction of extending car park charging hours.

The council’s cabinet agreed in 2020 to extend existing charging hours in some areas of Calderdale and has now agreed to start the rollout of these changes from Monday, October 11.

The proposals have come under criticism from opposition political parties.

Councillor Steven Leigh, Leader of the Calderdale Conservative and Unionist Group, said: “The Conservative Group believes that the decision to extend parking charges is entirely

‘The last thing our towns need is the introduction of new charges at weekends and evenings’

the wrong thing to do.

“This is a kick in the teeth for local businesses – which have struggled enormously throughout the pandemic.

“This decision to extend parking charges will negate the intended outcomes of what the Welcome Back Fund seeks to deliver. This highlights Labour’s lack of strategic thinking, or worse, their utter incompetence.”

Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, Coun James Baker (Warley), added: “High Streets are struggling to get back up and running.

“The last thing our town centre shops and traders need is

CHANGES: Clockwise from above: the short stay car park at Bull Green, Halifax – one of the car parks which would be affected; Coun Steven Leigh; and Coun James Baker

the introduction of new charges at weekends and evenings.

“The last time our Labour administration tried to introduce these changes, Calderdale Council was in no overall control and we were able to block them. Now they have a majority they will be able to push them through.”

The council says the changes

to parking hours are now being made following a peer review of parking charges by local government colleagues from throughout the country, and argues the fees continue to remain low compared to neighbouring boroughs.

Calderdale Council’s cabinet member for public services and communities, Coun

Jenny Lynn (Lab, Park), said it had been more than eight years since charging hours, and three years since tariffs, had been reviewed.

“Whilst we know there’s never a good time to introduce any changes, the extension of charging hours - into the evenings, Sundays and bank holidays - is a reflection of the demand for

good quality and convenient parking spaces at these times and ensures good turnover of spaces.”

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