Parking charge hikes of more than 500 per cent at York’s Bishopthorpe Road could lead to job losses, traders based there have claimed.
Business owners told a City of York Council meeting on Tursday (13 May) the hikes had already driven customers away since they came into force last month.
Joe Nasson, owner of The Bishy Weigh food store whose petition opposing the hikes garnered more than 8,200 responses, said people on low incomes would suffer the most.
Council Labour transport spokesperson Cllr Kate Ravilious told Tuesday’s meeting hikes had been too much too soon in some areas but they remained committed to a consistent approach to charges.
It comes as Labour council leader Cllr Claire Douglas said they would be in a position to discuss proposals that emerge from an ongoing review with traders of hikes soon.
It follows a backlash against increases in charges at council-run car parks to £4.85 for the first two hours and £5.30 at weekends and during events.
The hikes were approved as part of the councils’ 2025-6 Budget as it sought to an up to £10m-a-year spending gap and cut car use in line with transport policies.
But residents and traders in Micklegate, Bishopthorpe Road and elsewhere have called for a rethink, saying that the charges have hit some areas harder than others.
The new rates did away with half-hour tariffs of 60p in Micklegate and free Sunday morning parking and 80p-an-hour at the Bishopthorpe Road car park.
The latter equates to an increase of more than 500 per cent.
Liberal Democrat opposition economy spokesperson Cllr Ashley Mason said traders were already losing customers while group deputy leader Cllr Paula Widdowson said hikes without public transport investment would backfire.
Speaking at Tuesday’s transport decision session, traders called for the council to formally review their decision and claimed businesses had not been meaningfully consulted.
Almost 1,800 responses were lodged across two rounds of consultation ahead of February’s approval of the council’s Budget, with 39 coming from businesses or organisations in the second survey.
The Bishy Weigh’s owner Mr Nasson said he supported moves to cut congestion and pollution but a more considered approach was needed as businesses reel from the charge hikes’ impact.
The food store owner said: “Traders aren’t rich, we work in our shops and I have a second job, the council’s raising of the parking charges will lead to people on low incomes losing their jobs.
“It’s elitist and this can be seen by the expensive SUVs now parking in the Bishopthorpe Road car park.”
Heather Walsh told the meeting she would typically visit Bishopthorpe Road around four times a week to shop and socialise but the charges meant she would have to look elsewhere.
She said: “I’m disappointed and disgusted by the way these hikes have been levied., these charges are unaffordable.
“Bishopthorpe Road is a shining example of successful independent shops, the previously cheap parking supported that.”
Transport executive member Cllr Ravilious said she recognised the strength of feeling on the issue.
She said: “The parking model that we agreed aimed to raise revenue from car parking and encourage people to travel into the city by other means.
“But we recognise there are some parts of the city that previously had lower charges where this has been felt too much too soon and it’s not given residents and businesses sufficient time to adapt.”
Labour council Leader Cllr Claire Douglas said the ongoing review into the new charges aimed to deliver consistency and fairness instead of localised arrangements favouring some areas over others.
The council leader said: “We have listened and engaged with traders and will continue to do so. We expect to discuss any proposals that emerge from this review with traders very soon.
“Liberal Democrat budget proposals retained the vast majority of Labour’s parking charges, yet they are now trying to face two ways on this issue.
“Contrary to what they suggest, the council is investing millions in supporting bus services annually, and in the next two months will be extending some Park and Ride services into the evening.”