A RENEWED bid has been launched to end council parking charges in Otley.

The town is the only part of Leeds - bar the city centre - where Leeds City Council currently charges people to use some of its car parks.

Ward Councillors Sandy Lay, Colin Campbell and Ryk Downes (all Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) have been trying for years to get the council to ‘level the playing field’ by dropping the charges.

Last Spring they again challenged the Labour-controlled authority to explain why Otley should be singled out to pay a ‘parking tax’ which they believe is damaging the local economy. But a Liberal Democrat amendment to the 2019-20 budget proposals, which would have made all council provided parking in the town free, was voted down.

Now the city council is undertaking a city-wide review of parking charges - and the ward councillors are urging the administration to use the opportunity to end fees in Otley.

Their letter states: “We would ask that the review look at the removal of car parking charges in Otley. The town is unique in Leeds in that it is the only area, outside the city centre, where residents and visitors are required to pay for parking on council car parks.

“This is an unfair burden on Otley and, especially in the current economic climate, disproportionately affects local businesses. Otley generally is regarded as a great place to visit and shop but this position, which the whole community has worked to achieve, is undermined by a charging system which discourages visitors.

“We appreciate there would be a small loss of revenue to the council but believe this would be more than offset by the economic boost local traders and the local economy would receive.”

Defending its position, the council’s then Executive Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning, Richard Lewis, told the Wharfedale & Aireborough Observer last year that the council offered an ‘assortment of options, including free parking’ in Otley.

The local councillors are adamant, however, that the status quo is unacceptable. Cllr Lay said: “Otley is the only area of Leeds outside the city centre where residents and visitors have to pay to park. This discourages visitors and pushes parking onto residential streets.”

Cllr Campbell said: “Leeds are currently reviewing parking charges across the city and we are calling on them to give local businesses a financial boost by dropping charges in Otley. This would be a major benefit to local traders.”

Cllr Downes added: “We managed to negotiate free Saturday parking in the run up to Christmas and this seemed very popular. The sums of money involved are relatively small within the total Leeds budget, but would be a major boost to Otley.”