Car-parking charges back on the agenda for city parks
PLANS to introduce parking charges at some of Birmingham’s most popular parks are among a wave of planned changes unveiled by the city council.
The crisis-hit council published a budget proposal earlier this week, which sets out in detail how it intends to cut services and hike council tax as it struggles with a £300 million budget gap.
One proposal included in the budget papers is to introduce parking charges at Sutton Park, Lickey Hills Country Park and Sheldon Country Park in 2025.
It is not the first time parking charges have been considered by the authority for some of the city’s most popular parks.
In 2022, the council launched an informal consultation on whether they should be introduced at Lickey Hills, Sheldon and Woodgate Valley country parks. A majority response was opposed and the council decided not to go ahead with the plans, saying at the time: “The decision has been made to discontinue the proposed parking charges programme in parks in light of the feedback received and the fact the state of the market/economy has changed since the proposal was first introduced in 2017.”
However, with charges being considered again, opposition councillors have warned of “knock-on effects” and impacts on the wellbeing of residents.
Roger Harmer, leader of the council’s Liberal Democrat group, said: “I’m not averse to... looking at parking, however it’s highly dubious whether these schemes will make money.
“It costs money to install and maintain. What can also happen is a knock-on effect of problems for residents such as increased street parking, which can then cost money and time to resolve.”
Sheldon councillor Colin Green added: “There was a proposal... to introduce car-park charging at Sheldon. It was withdrawn... after significant public opposition.
“It may stop cash-strapped people from going, which is not good for our community or for general health and wellbeing.”
In response, Cllr Majid Mahmood, cabinet member for environment, said: “These remain proposals. If approved, informal consultations will follow, including with stakeholders where we will seek feedback.”