LEEDS City Council has been urged to think again after the authority confirmed it is implementing parking charges at beauty spots including Golden Acre Park and Otley Chevin.

Local councillors have voiced strong opposition to the charges, which the council announced in a published decision last week and which it says are necessary to fund the parks.

Cllr Barry Anderson (Con, Adel & Wharfedale Ward) said: "I am absolutely disgusted that the Council are going ahead with these car park charges. The views of local residents have been summarily dismissed. Overwhelmingly people said ‘no' to these proposals, for a variety of reasons. It is my intention to call this decision in and ask the Council to reconsider.”

Separately but included in the same decision notice is the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order that covers all the locations where car parking will be chargeable to protect the entrances to the car parks from being blocked.

Cllr Anderson added: “I am not convinced that the costs of implementing this will not outweigh the income generated. I am concerned about people parking outside the car parks on the adjacent roads to avoid paying charges in the car park. This will be a big safety issue.”

Cllr Caroline Anderson (Con, Adel & Wharfedale Ward) said: "I am so disappointed that a Council that purports to have a 'Best City Ambition' is bringing these charges in. Thousands of people in the city go to these parks, especially children and retired people. The Council are in effect taxing well being and exercise.

“Although at first glance the costs might appear to be modest, there is no clarification on whether the proposed season ticket option can be used at all the Council’s car parks where charges are proposed within this decision.”

Otley and Yeadon’s Liberal Democrat councillors have also expressed strong opposition.

Cllr Sandy Lay said: “Walking in the country is our second NHS - 'natures health service' and this continued proposal is short-sighted and fails to consider the broader implications for our residents and visitors alike.

“Introducing car park charges will deter residents and visitors as those not able to pay find themselves unable to enjoy the Chevin, meet with family and friends, and/or go for that walk that improves your physical, mental and emotional states"

Cllr Colin Campbell echoed these sentiments, highlighting the disproportionate effect on lower-income residents. He said: “Car park charges are essentially a regressive tax, disproportionately impacting those who can least afford it.

“Many residents rely on these car parks for their daily walks and exercise. This measure will add an unnecessary financial burden during already challenging times.”

Cllr Ryk Downes pointed out the potential for increased congestion on the adjoining roads and the risks that may bring. He added: “We were told that this proposal would only affect the three car parks on East Chevin Road so we are disappointed to note that the Council has now added both Surprise View and Yorkgate car parks further penalising visitors.

“Therefore, imposing charges in public car parks will likely push more vehicles onto East Chevin Road and Yorkgate exacerbating parking issues and causing further inconvenience. This plan needs to be reconsidered with a focus on community needs and sustainable solutions.”

A Leeds City Council spokesperson said: “Like councils across the country, we are facing budget cuts and cost increases as demand for our services grows. This impacts all areas of the council and our parks and countryside service no longer has the funding to maintain the infrastructure across its 4,000 hectares of green space to the high standard we want for our residents.

“We’re proud of our parks but many need substantial investment to enable residents safely to enjoy these open spaces in the long term. Following the consultation on car parking we have reviewed our options and have exhausted all alternatives to fund improvements in our parks, given the scale of challenge across the council.

“Income from car parking charges will help ensure we can continue to maintain the quality of our parks and greenspaces for the people who use them. We want residents to continue to enjoy the benefits of access to nature and green spaces and are committed to keeping costs affordable, with annual permits on sale for regular visitors. Parking for blue badge holders will remain free.”