BUSINESSES could be forced out of Horsforth if proposed parking restrictions are put in place, according to one of the town's major employers.
Tenet Group is warning it may have to consider its future in the area if the changes are introduced.
The company is one of 33 businesses to sign a petition opposing Leeds City Council's proposals for Lister Hill, Low Lane and Bachelor Lane.
Tenet Group has been based in Horsforth for more than 20 years and employs more than 200 staff within its Lister Hill office, but it is warning its future in the area could become untenable if the two hour parking limits are put in place.
The company, which provides services to financial advisors, has now presented the city council with a 300-name petition against the proposed traffic regulation waiting restrictions order.
The company's finance director, Caroline Bradley, said: "Whilst we appreciate that Leeds City Council has to listen to the concerns of local residents, it also has a duty to consider the future of local businesses in Horsforth, who not only offer employment but also spend money week in, week out within the community.
"Public transport does not work for everyone for a variety of reasons and the hard facts are that if people are going to continue to work in Horsforth, then they need places to park. If these restrictions are introduced, Tenet and other businesses will have to seriously consider their long term future in Horsforth."
A company spokesman said: "Tenet has 45 parking spaces attached to its office, which we always ensure are filled, but with over 200 staff and a number of daily visitors and delegates for a variety of training courses we run each week, this means that a lot of people have to rely on parking in the locality. Parking in Horsforth is already an issue, with the station offering limited parking for local commuters and few other public car parks in the area, meaning that many people have to park on local streets."
Tenet believes the two-hour restrictions could have big implications for its own staff and for other businesses in the area.
The spokesman said: "Whilst the Council needs to consider its residents, it also needs to consider its local businesses, who may start to find this location within Horsforth untenable if the parking restrictions are enforced."
Cllr Richard Lewis, Executive Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning said: "We will consider all representations made as part of the statutory process around the proposed parking restrictions. Our aim is to have a safe and effective road network which meets the needs of local communities, both for residents and the contribution local businesses make.
"We have a dedicated team who support businesses with their travel plans. I’m sure they’ll be happy to work with Tenet to help ensure their workforce can make the most informed choices about how they travel to and from work."