Local councillors welcome progress on parking

12.00.00am GMT Mon 17th Mar 2008

Local Headingley Liberal Democrat councillors Martin Hamilton and James Monaghan have welcomed council efforts to alleviate parking problems in the area.

Proposals approved by the council's Executive Board provide details of an investigation into future transportation and parking provision within Headingley, making the area easier and more pleasant to visit.

Initial studies, carried out at 28 different locations around the city, highlighted that Headingley's needs were the greatest. Issues such as levels of retail, parking provision and offences, nearby schools and visitor attractions were all included and as a result it is now proposed that a model of future parking and pedestrian provision is drawn up, to help combat the current problems.

Cllr Hamilton said:

"The traffic and transportation problems of Headingley have been apparent to residents for some time and it is good to know that the council are now investigating these. Studies into how we can change and improve the area over time should make it more pleasant for all of us in the future.

"I think that a radical solution, such as charging for residents parking may be needed in Headingley to deal with our creaking transport infrastructure."

Cllr Monaghan added:

"Residents only parking has proven popular elsewhere in Leeds, but can be very expensive to introduce. The only way we can speed this process up is by ensuring it is self-financing.

We would only introduce schemes like this if they were needed and there was general support locally."