Bradford Council is publishing proposals this week which if they go ahead will see the removal of the free 1-hour street parking in Ilkley.
The consultation process starts tomorrow, Wednesday 11 June, and plans also see an extension of street parking charges to 8pm and the introduction of charges on bank holidays.
Ilkley Conservative Councillors have criticised Bradford Council’s inadequate consultation, Cllr Andrew Loy (Con, Ilkley) said:
“My ward colleague Councillor David Nunns and I were shocked when we found out about these proposed changes. The free hour of parking is valued by residents and local businesses alike and its removal would be immensely damaging.
“The Council has not given us any prior warning that such significant changes were being considered, and now residents only have until 2nd July to respond to the consultation. Indeed, some people may wonder whether this was deliberate, in order to minimise the number of negative responses from all of those affected.
“The removal of the free hour will be a huge blow to residents and retailers alike. Having to pay £1 just to nip into a shop for one or two items will make it more inconvenient to shop locally and risks shifting demand to online retailers.
“Parishioners at churches of all denominations use the free hour in order to attend services. It is especially perverse to think that they may be charged to park at their church on bank holidays, including Christmas Day and Good Friday. Parents also use the free hour for school drop off and collection. If parents have to pay to take their children to school, the costs will add up quickly.
“The Council’s claim that the changes are intended ‘to simplify and standardise the current tariff structure’ is clearly spurious. This is all a revenue raising exercise, due to the Labour-run Council having massively mismanaged its finances in recent years.
“I know that some Councillors think that Ilkley residents have money to burn, but I can assure them that there are many people here who are feeling the pinch and are fed up with the Council treating Ilkley as a cash cow.
“I am pleased that the Council has at least acknowledged their mistake when originally planning to display the consultation documents at Ilkley Town Hall, which is currently closed for refurbishment. I contacted the Council and asked that the consultation documents be provided at Ilkley Library instead, and they have agreed.
“Councillor Nunns and I would urge local residents and businesses alike to take the opportunity to make your objections regarding these proposals known to the Council by 2nd July.”
Sarah Brookfield-Almond, Ilkley BID manager said:
“Parking charge increases are difficult and unpopular, particularly when many are still feeling cost of living pressures.
“The BID team work hard to spread the word about what Ilkley has to offer, and encourage locals and visitors to visit the town, and to spend in our local businesses. Anything that could impact this is of course of concern to us.
“Ilkley BID will support and represent the views of our member businesses, and we are collating feedback to feed into the consultation process. Comments from our members can be emailed to info@ilkleybid.co.uk”
Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said:
“It’s important to note that these changes are currently proposals for people consider. Anyone wishing to give feedback has a few weeks to do so.”
Any objections to the proposals can be made in writing to objections@bradford.gov.uk by noon on Wednesday, 2 July 2025, quoting reference: CORP/PCD/MW/418699
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