Petition starts in Batley for better parking and safety in town centre

Batley deserves better, according to local residents who want to see improved parking enforcement and safety in the town centre.

A petition has been launched by Mason Lockwood calling on the council to take action by: increasing parking enforcement during peak times, including evenings; targeting known problem areas; and introducing measures such as cameras or physical deterrents where needed.

The petition currently has around 1,200 signatures. If it can reach 3,000 and is handed in to the council and verified, a full council debate will be triggered.

Mr Lockwood wrote: “I’m out on these roads every day for work, and I see the same issue over and over again. Cars are parked on corners, pavements, crossings and even bus stops — blocking visibility, causing congestion, and putting people at risk.

“I’ve personally witnessed near misses and dangerous situations. It’s only a matter of time before someone gets hurt. This isn’t occasional — it’s happening daily, and anyone driving or walking through Batley town centre can see it. It’s also affecting public transport, with buses unable to stop properly or safely due to illegal parking.

“It’s disheartening to see my hometown heading in this direction. Batley deserves better.”

One signatory wrote: “I have had many near misses in Tesco car park due to inconsiderate parking by the restaurants. This has been due to the road being too narrow due to parking in or on the zebra crossing, poorly parked cars setting off without looking, swerving into the road, or off the road into the pavement so they can get food.

“Combine that with people walking without looking between the cars, I see it as only time before someone is seriously hurt.”

Another added: “Signed, after my children nearly being ran over, and my uncle in a wheelchair struggling around the area, I feel it’s hugely important for the right people to start doing something about this.”