Horsforth Businesses Raise Concerns Over £3.65 Parking Charges

Horsforth Parking Fees Blamed for Falling Footfall and Street Congestion

Horsforth Businesses Raise Concerns Over Parking Fees of Up to £3.65 a Day Businesses in Horsforth have raised concerns about the impact of parking charges at Fink Hill, with town councillors saying fees of up to £3.65 a day could be discouraging visitors and affecting local trade. The charges were introduced at Fink Hill and five other Leeds car parks in October 2025, with Leeds City Council saying they were intended to help fund improvements and maintenance while encouraging turnover in busy parking areas. Horsforth Town Council has now called for the Fink Hill charges to be removed, following a public consultation into their impact on the area. Businesses concerned about falling footfall Horsforth Town Council chairman Simon Dowling said local businesses had reported a significant reduction in footfall since the charges were introduced. He also claimed that vehicles which would previously have used Fink Hill were now being parked on surrounding residential streets as drivers looked to avoid paying. Aiden Goulden, who chairs the town council's planning, licensing and traffic committee, acknowledged the financial pressures facing Leeds City Council but said the local economic impact needed to be considered. The town council's consultation response also raised concerns about parking being displaced onto surrounding roads, with potential effects on congestion, visibility and road safety around Hall Lane. How much does Fink Hill parking cost? Under the current tariff, the first hour is free, while longer stays cost progressively more. The maximum daily charge is £3.65, with a weekly ticket costing £12.15. Blue Badge holders and motorcycles can park without charge. Parking is charged from Monday to Saturday between 8am and 6pm, with payment available through the machines using contactless bank cards or via the PayByPhone app. The town council has also questioned whether the current payment arrangements are accessible enough for people without digital payment methods or bank accounts. It has asked for greater clarity around what happens when parking machines are unavailable, as well as information about the income generated by the scheme and its operating and maintenance costs. Leeds parking charge review is under way Leeds City Council agreed in July to review charges introduced at car parks in Horsforth, Wetherby, Rothwell, Garforth and Guiseley. A public consultation has now closed, and the council said the responses will form part of its review, with findings and recommendations due to be presented to the executive board. The review is also examining the financial performance and usage of the affected car parks, meaning there is currently no confirmed decision to remove the Fink Hill charges. For drivers visiting Horsforth, the situation is therefore worth watching, particularly if parking demand continues to shift between the Fink Hill car park and nearby streets. When parking charges or restrictions change, checking available parking before travelling can also help drivers avoid arriving in an area only to find that their usual car park is no longer convenient or affordable. EveryonesParking can help drivers plan ahead by finding parking options before they travel, particularly when visiting busy town centres where parking availability and charges can vary.