Councillors raise concerns over potential scrapping of free parking in East Riding

One councillor described the recommendations as a ‘quick fix for budget deficit while potentially decimating local trade’

East Riding councillors have debated parking recommendations made to them which controversially includes introducing fees in areas where it is currently free.

The last Car Parking Review Panel took place back in 2010 meaning, as the report states, “a much-needed update had been outstanding for some years.”

Following a series of ten meetings spanning October 2023 to June 2024, the Review Panel has made a total of 16 recommendations to the council regarding the management of car parks in the region.

By far the most significant, and the most controversial, is Recommendation 1 which suggests the authority should introduce parking charges in towns currently not subject to fees while keeping a 30-minute free period.

During a full council meeting on Wednesday (September 25), several councillors voiced their concerns of the potential negative impact such a policy could have on businesses in town centres in the area as people may resort to online shopping or going to supermarkets where parking is typically free.

Cllr Dale Needham described Recommendation 1 as being a “quick fix for budget deficit while potentially decimating local trade”.

Cllr Kevin Casson tabled an unsuccessful motion to withdraw Recommendation 1 and joined protestors outside Beverley County Hall before Wednesday’s council meeting.

During the debate, Cllr Casson said: “I’m here to voice these concerns on behalf of Cottingham. We have handed in over 6,500 signatures and we’ve had protestors outside this morning.”

Cllr Casson, who represents Cottingham South, also said that introducing fees for parking “will have a detrimental effect on already struggling businesses” in the village.

Councillor Richard Meredith spoke in support of the Review Panel’s findings and accused “a good number of councillors” of “stirring” the issue.

Ultimately, the debate ended in a rather anticlimactic fashion as, instead of approving or rejecting the Review Panel’s recommendations, the council instead accepted a motion to refer the findings back to the committee stage meaning the debate is far from over.