Town's free parking could be scrapped - council
BBCFree parking in Ilkley could be scrapped under new plans to be put out to public consultation.
Proposals for new tariffs in the town which would see the end of the one hour free parking period allowed before charges come into effect have been published by Bradford Council.
The hours in which charges applied would also be extended and parking in Ilkley on bank holidays would no longer be free if the new proposals were approved, according to the council.
Alex Ross-Shaw, portfolio holder for regeneration, planning and transport, said: "It's important to note these changes are currently proposals for people to consider. Anyone wishing to give feedback has a few weeks to do so."
Brendan Stubbs, leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Bradford Council, said businesses in Ilkley would be hit hard by any changes made to free parking in the town.
"We shouldn't be making it harder for people to use independent businesses. That's not good for anyone," he said.
The council has also announced proposed changes to parking in Bradford city centre.
New long stay parking sites would be created "to compensate for the loss of on-street parking in the city centre over recent years and the expansion of pedestrianised areas", according to the plans.
A council spokesperson added that "a new simplified two-tier tariff system to distinguish between long and short stay parking will also be introduced".
Meanwhile, charges would be introduced for bank holidays and the current single fixed evening charge removed.
Parking for disabled badge holders would still be free for eligible users, but there would be a maximum permitted stay for them in time-restricted parking areas, the spokesperson said.
Bradford Council said objections and comments could be emailed as part of a public consultation over the plans.
Feedback on the proposals should be sent in by 2 July, according to the spokesperson.
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