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Parking: Fees and Charges

Asked by Edward MorelloLiberal DemocratDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 5 September 2025UIN 72148

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the introduction of car parking charges on (a) access to outdoor walking spaces and (b) public health.

Answered by Ashley Dalton

Car parking charges for publicly-owned car parks are primarily a matter for local authorities. Local actions can encourage sustainable travel choices and reduce car dependency, potentially enhancing air quality and promoting active lifestyles, and local authorities are responsible for assessing the impacts of their policies.

The Government recognises the importance of providing access to the outdoors for people’s health and wellbeing, and has committed to creating nine new national river walks and three new national forests in England, expanding access to the great outdoors.

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