RESTRICTIONS are to be introduced at two Rawdon car parks to stop them being used by commuters into Leeds.

Four hour limits will be put in place at Rawdon Littlemoor Primary School and Rawdon Library car parks to ensure access for local shoppers and visitors to businesses in the area.

The two car parks can take 35 vehicles between them and both were originally set up for the use of shoppers and visitors to Rawdon.

But concern has grown over recent years that the spaces are being tied up by people commuting into Leeds.

The new restrictions are being introduced at the suggestion of the three ward councillors for Guiseley and Rawdon who want to see local businesses thrive.

Councillor Graham Latty said: "It is hugely important that we have a local centre in Rawdon where people can come and access services and do their shopping. Local businesses play a key part in our community and I am keen to support them to ensure that they have every opportunity to thrive. These new parking measures will mean that the parking spaces at Littlemoor and at the Library do what they were meant to do - serve shoppers, residents and visitors to Rawdon."

Pat Latty added: "In recent years it has become apparent that the car parks in Rawdon were being used by commuters to Leeds and not by those wishing to access the shops and service there. These four hour restrictions will mean that these parking spaces will now be freely available to those wishing to use local facilities and shops, which has not always been the case recently. I am happy with the scheme and look forward to it being introduced.”

Councillor Paul Wadsworth, said: "These new measures will be enforced with civil enforcement officers from the council adding the car parks to their regular routine and checking that they are used in the way they were intended. I am hopeful that commuters will understand that these car parks are for those accessing Rawdon and not as an easy way to cut down on travel times to Leeds."