Proposed changes to car parking charges in York following backlash
Business had complained the hike were impacting trade
Some parking charges outside York’s inner ring road could be lowered under proposals drawn up following a backlash against hikes introduced last month.
Proposals from York Council’s ruling Labour group would see on-street parking charges and those at the Bishopthorpe Road car park lowered to £3-an-hour.
Parking inside the walls and in outer car parks would still cost at least £4.85-an-hour for the first two except in Micklegate and Priory Street where hikes will be delayed.
Labour council Leader Coun Claire Douglas said the proposals recognised April’s hikes had been a shock to some areas but cutting congestion remained a key priority.
The proposals, drawn up following talks with traders and residents’ feedback in areas such as Micklegate and Bishopthorpe Road, are set to go before the council’s Executive in June.
They follow mounting opposition to the hikes to £4.85-an-hour for the first two and to £5.30-an-hour on Fridays, Saturdays and during events since their introduction.
On-street parking outside the inner ring road would move to £3-an-hour and would be free in the evening except in areas near the city centre where charges already apply.
Bishopthorpe Road car park’s tariffs will be moved to be in line with those charged at Heworth’s East Parade in recognition of its use by local shoppers.
The new proposals would also see the removal of free Sunday morning parking in Micklegate postponed ahead of new policies being drawn up.
Rates at Micklegate and Priory Street would be £3-an-hour with staggered increases to the £4.85/£5.30-an-hour charges coming over time.
Charges for on-street parking and at car parks within the inner ring road remain unchanged from those approved in April.
Discounts of 30 per cent for Minster Badge holders will continue to apply, meaning rates would be £2.10-an-hour where they will be £3-an-hour.
The hikes which came into effect in April were approved in February as part of the council’s Budget for this financial year.
The Labour administration said the hikes aimed to raise revenue amid budget gaps of up to £10m-a-year and to encourage people not to drive into the city centre.
But blanket increases ended 60p half-hourly rates in Micklegate and free parking on Sunday mornings while prices in Bishopthorpe Road rose from 80p-a-hour, increasing by more than 500 per cent.
Traders in both areas and the council’s Liberal Democrat opposition have claimed the hikes were driving customers away.
Joe Nasson, owner of Bishopthorpe Road’s The Bishy Weight, told a council transport meeting on Tuesday, May 13 increases in parking charges could lead to job losses.
His petition calling for hikes at Bishopthorpe Road Car park to be stopped was signed by 8,150 people as of Friday, May 16.
Speaking after talks with traders on Friday, May 16, transport executive member Coun Ravilious said the proposals would support local small businesses and stick to the council’s wider transport goals.
Coun Ravilious said: “We have listened to feedback over the past few weeks and acted in response.
“A large proportion of charges will remain unchanged as we reaffirm our commitment to reduce congestion and improve bus service reliability.
“Elsewhere, we propose moving to inner city centre and outer city centre rates for on-street parking, to reflect the importance of community shopping areas outside the inner ring road.”
Council leader Coun Douglas said they would still need to act on transport to free up the roads for public transport despite the proposed changes.
The Labour council leader said: “As the city’s population increases significantly in the years to come as thousands more new homes are built, it’s imperative we act.
“The alternative is a move towards gridlock which will cost businesses dearly.”