Reform UK Doncaster praise 'cross-party' free parking trial after Tory anger

Reform UK Doncaster have praised “cross-party working” after the start of the City of Doncaster Council’s free city centre parking trial.

The trial was announced by the local authority on June 10, 2026, with Reform UK leader, Cllr Howard Rimmer, proudly reminding residents it was a policy proposed by his party in its budget amendment passed in February 2026.

However, as previously reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), the trial was included in Reform UK’s budget amendment at the request of Conservative councillors, as a condition for their support on the amendment vote.

After the trial was announced, a senior Tory source told the LDRS they were “fuming” that Reform UK were “trying to own it”.

It has led to Reform UK issuing a new statement on June 11, 2026, lauding the cross-party cooperation which led to the trial starting.

A spokesperson for the party said: “Following our earlier statement, it is important to recognise that the campaign for one hour free parking has been supported by a number of people over several years. Former Don Valley MP Nick Fletcher was a strong advocate of the policy, and Conservative councillors have consistently championed it locally.

“I would also like to acknowledge the positive collaboration between Reform UK and Conservative members on this issue. We have worked together with a shared commitment to supporting local businesses, increasing footfall in our town centres and making Doncaster a better place to live and work.”

The key part of Reform UK’s budget amendment was to reduce the council tax hike for the 2026/27 year from the maximum 4.99 per cent proposed by Mayor Ros Jones, to just two per cent.

“Reform UK included one hour free parking in our alternative budget because we believe it is a practical, common sense measure that will benefit residents across the borough. When there is an opportunity to work together on policies that deliver for local people, that co-operation should be welcomed,” the party spokesperson said.

Drivers will be able to park for free for one hour in most of the council’s city centre car parks from the week commencing June 8, 2026.

The trial, which will run to the end of March 2027, formed part of Reform UK’s budget amendment, which the party forced through with Conservative support in February 2026.

Doncaster Council said drivers will still need to place a ticket on their vehicle or use the RingGo App and select the one-hour preference.

The initial roll-out includes the seven council car parks:

• Wood Street Car Park
• Irish Club Car Park (College Road)
• Markets Car Park
• St Georges Car Park
• Marshgate Car Parks
• Church Way Car Park
• Chamber Road Car Park

Car parks on Chappell Gate East and Wast will be included at a later date, the authority announced.

Councillor Howard Rimmer, leader of Reform UK Doncaster, said on June 10: “Reform UK Doncaster welcomes the council’s decision to introduce one hour free parking, a policy that Reform proposed in its alternative budget.

“This is a common-sense measure that will help local residents, support our high streets and encourage more people to shop locally.”

Cllr Jane Cox, chair of the South Yorkshire Conservatives and representative for Finningley, said: “This is a great start, Conservatives in Doncaster have been asking for this for many years. When this is a success the Mayor should consider extending the free parking to 2 hours.”

Mayor Ros Jones said: “This trial initiative will be monitored and assessed over the course of this financial year. I encourage our residents to visit our city centre, support our local businesses and Doncaster Markets.

“Every time you shop on our high streets or visit Doncaster Markets, you’re supporting local jobs, independent traders, and our community. Fresh produce, quality products, bargains to be found and friendly faces – it’s all right here on our doorstep. Shop local, support Doncaster, and enable our high streets to thrive.”