As previously reported, Leeds City Council is to introduce car parking charges at five parks across the city including the Leeds Urban Bike Park at Middleton Park. The charges will take effect from Monday 10 February 2025.
Amongst the organisations affected is Middleton Woods parkrun which takes place every Saturday morning at 9am. This is a free 5km walk, jog or run around a marshalled course. Parkrun is recognised for its contribution to public health by offering safe and accessable activities, the fact that parkrun is a free event is particularly important.
Josh Alexander, one of the team of volunteers that organises Middleton Woods parkrun, posted on Facebook:
“As you may have seen Leeds City Council are introducing parking charges across multiple sites across Leeds and unfortunately despite the council being desperate for this parkrun setting up, we are included in their charges for using the park.
“These charges will come into force from 10 February meaning last (sic) Saturday’s event will be the last one where you are able to park freely.
“We have tried on numerous occasions to speak with the council in vain, only receiving generic responses, however we will continue to try and get an agreement with Leeds City Council so that we can keep the event completely free of charge (no parking charges for parkrun) as we understand how important access to free sport is!”
Leeds City Council has cited its dire financial situation, caused by rising care costs and cuts to government funding, for introducing the charges. According to a council press release:
“All the investments required to introduce the parking charges will be funded by the income generated through the charges themselves, including the new ticket machines. It is anticipated that the costs will be recouped from the income generated by the charges within six months.
“The money raised will also fund car park surface improvements, bay marking, signage, safe access for pedestrians and ongoing maintenance. This is to make the sites more welcoming, accessible, safer and easier to navigate and park in.”
The charges, which apply seven days a week between 8am – 8pm, will be:
- £1 up to 2 hours.
- £2.50 for half a day
- £4 for a full day
- Season ticket: £10 per month or £80 per annum
- Free for blue badge holders
Charges are not being introduced at the car park near Middleton Park Visitor Centre (off Town Street).
Comment:
This is disgusting of Leeds City Council making this charge. I am disabled, but week after week I go and marshal like others, so people can enjoy the parkrun.
The Run Directors have to set up and set down the course markers, meaning they will go over the 2 hour parking charge of £1. So they will pay more than the runners to park.
Can we have a way of showing our Parkrun barcodes in our car windows, as some other parkruns do, so we are exempt from charges?
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