Warning on return of parking fees

KIRKLEES FROM JANUARY 11

MOTORISTS are being reminded they will need to pay for parking across Kirklees from Monday, January 11.

The move cost the council hundreds of thousands of pounds in lost fees and it is now keen to start recouping them.

Visitors to its towns and villages will need to check signs and meters to see whether they need to pay before leaving their car when parking charges return next month.

Kirklees Council has offered free parking to people visiting Huddersfield and Dewsbury as well as other local towns and villages since shops reopened after lockdown in June and this was then extended until the end of 2020.

Free car parking has been on offer in Kirklees for longer than any of our neighbouring authorities and has helped encourage more people to shop local and take advantage of the opportunities on offer for leisure and retail throughout the borough.

Clr Peter McBride Cabinet Member for Regeneration said: “We always intended to start charging again in the new year, but to give people a chance to do some sales shopping or return unwanted gifts we’re not starting until the January 11.

“As we move into the new year we have to think about the wider economic recovery, we know free parking was appreciated by both residents and businesses in our town centre, but now is the right time to start bringing in income so that we can deliver on our ambitions for the whole of Kirklees.”

Clr Naheed Mather Cabinet Member for Environment and Highways said: “We’ve learnt a lot from offering free parking, both positive and negative. “Parking charges are not all about bringing in extra money, they also allow us to make sure there are enough spaces for everyone who needs them, a successful town centre economy requires a regular turnover of people visiting and spending money.

“At the moment some of our bigger car parks are used exclusively by people working in town, making it harder for shoppers to find a space.

“Despite bringing back charges we will continue to monitor parking and make decisions about specific locations on a case-by-case basis in line with local need.”

The latest Information on car parking is available on the website www. kirklees.gov.uk/parking.”

We will continue to monitor parking and make decisions about specific locations on a

case-by-case basis.