Birmingham Labour has attempted to impose parking charges in Birmingham City Council’s country parks several times in recent years, with each attempt being met with strong resistance from residents and opposition councillors. The City Council’s Labour Administration have now launched public consultations announcing their intention to bring forward car parking charges in 3 of the largest country parks in and around the City – Lickey Hills, Sheldon, and Sutton Park - having previously introduced charges at Cannon Hill Park which they claimed was a one-off at the time. If charges are introduced at these next 3 parks, it will set a precedent for other parks in the city.
We believe that the City’s parks don’t belong to the Council but to the people of Birmingham, to whom they were gifted! Access to parks, and other green spaces, is vital for both physical and mental health and should remain free to the benefit of all who wish to use them. Introducing these charges will disproportionately impact the elderly, disabled, and people with young families as well as those who do not live on a country parks' doorstep.
Labour's Cabinet Member for Transport & Environment, Cllr Majid Mahmood, said in relation to the vigil held at Beacon Hill in Lickey for the late Queen Elizabeth II, "We are always willing to work with groups that wish to use our parks and open spaces...". We call on the City Council to honour the spirit of this statement and maintain free access for park users to park at public parks.
Sign the petition below to help keep parking free at country parks in Birmingham and Sutton Coldfield.
