Birmingham City Council's plan to introduce parking charges at Sutton Park, Lickey Hills, and Sheldon Country Park has ignited public opposition. Despite a majority of consultation respondents opposing the fees, the council is moving forward, citing financial necessity. Opposition councillors have requested a 'call-in' for further scrutiny.
00:00Birmingham's Green Lungs, Sutton Park, Lickie Hills and Sheldon Country Park are at the centre of a growing backlash.
00:07The council's proposal to start charging for parking has triggered fierce resistance,
00:12with thousands saying it undermines the principle of free access to nature.
00:17Consultation figures paint a clear picture.
00:20Nearly 80% of respondents oppose charges at Lickie Hills.
00:24Two thirds said no to them at both Sutton and Sheldon.
00:28Despite this, the Labour-run council is pushing ahead, arguing it's a necessary move.
00:34The revised proposals include a 30-minute grace period and cheaper rates than originally planned.
00:40At Sutton Park and Lickie Hills, visitors would pay ÂŁ1 per hour, up to four hours or ÂŁ5 all day.
00:47Sheldon's rate would be 75p per hour for up to three hours, ÂŁ3.50 all day.
00:53An annual pass has been set at ÂŁ52.
00:55Opposition councillors, Conservative and Lib Dem alike say these changes don't go far enough and are now calling for the decision to be called in for further scrutiny.
01:05The scrutiny committee meets next week to decide whether to escalate it to a full cabinet reconsideration.
01:11If approved, that could put the brakes on the charges at least temporarily.
01:15The council defends the move as pragmatic, saying the income will help fund maintenance.
01:21But the projected revenue still falls short of actual costs, meaning the parks will continue to rely on taxpayer support.
01:28In a city reeling from budget cuts, missed bin collections and library closures, the battle over park parking may seem minor, but for many it's about more than just money.
01:37It's about fairness, public ownership and trust in the people running things.
01:42What balance is included?
01:44That sounds like a good idea.
01:46How about personal safety report?
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