Bradford free parking pledge delayed as council puts plans on hold

Bradford drivers face wait for promised free parking

Bradford free parking pledge delayed as council puts free parking plans on hold A promised return to free parking in Bradford has been delayed, with the council confirming that proposed changes to parking arrangements are currently "not deliverable". The Reform-run authority had announced plans earlier this summer to introduce a free hour at council-owned car parks, as well as free parking in the evening. Bradford free parking plans delayed The proposals were announced by council leader Stephen Place in July and were expected to go before the council's Executive in September for ratification. Under the plans, drivers visiting Bradford-owned car parks would have been able to park free for one hour during the week when making short shopping trips. The proposals also included free parking from 6pm onwards, with the aim of supporting Bradford's night-time economy. The changes would have reversed much of the previous Labour administration's decision to remove some free and evening parking across the district. Residents in areas including Ilkley had already seen free parking arrangements changed, while the removal of free parking at a car park in Idle had led to a backlash from traders. However, the proposed changes were not included on the agenda for the September Executive meeting held on Tuesday. The plans were briefly discussed while councillors considered the proposed reopening of the Sugden End tip and the council's wider financial situation. Councillor Ian Eglin, the council's Portfolio Holder for Corporate Resources, said the parking proposals had been postponed. Following the meeting, the Local Democracy Reporting Service asked Bradford Council to clarify whether the promised changes would still go ahead. Ian Walker, the council's Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Communities, confirmed that the measures could not currently be introduced. He said financial pressures meant the proposals were "not deliverable in the short term" and therefore were not ready for ratification at the September Executive Meeting. The council nevertheless maintains that free parking could provide relief for shoppers and support local retail businesses and the night-time economy. For drivers, the announcement means the proposed free hour and free evening parking will not be introduced in the short term. The council said it is now exploring other options, with a view to introducing improved parking measures in the next financial year. That leaves Bradford motorists waiting to see whether the promised parking changes will eventually be implemented, after the administration originally announced them as part of its plans for the district.