Car parking prices across York have been reduced following months of concern from both traders and shoppers.
From yesterday (17 July), City of York Council has introduced several changes to parking charges in community shopping and residential areas outside the inner ring road, whilst maintaining prices in the city centre.
One of the most controversial price hikes, Bishopthorpe Road car park, has now been reduced to £3 per hour. This follows public outcry over sharp increases introduced in April.
Under the new model, parking at Bishopthorpe Road, East Parade, and Rowntree Park car parks will cost £3 per hour (£2.10 per hour for residents with a Minster Badge discount) for a maximum of three hours.
The big changes
As previously reported, earlier this year City of York Council introduced substantial price hikes at Bishopthorpe Road car park, causing widespread concern for residents.
On 25 April, the charges rose by up to 500% on weekdays and 562% on Fridays and Saturdays.
The changes were:
- Up to 1 hour: from £0.80 to £4.85 (£5.30 on Fri/Sat).
- 1–2 hours: from £1.60 to £9.70 (£10.60 on Fri/Sat)
- 2–3 hours: from £4.50 to £11.20 (£13.50 on Fri/Sat)
- After 6pm: from free to £4.
Traders and shoppers called the increases damaging, and a petition led by Joe Nasson, owner of The Bishy Weigh, gathered more than 8,000 signatures.
Since then, business owners on Bishopthorpe Road have urged the council to reconsider the charges.
Now, City of York Council have responded to the pleas.
Council responds
City of York Council says the new changes are in response to local feedback, following consultation with traders and residents at a public executive meeting last month (3 June).
A council spokesperson said the new model aims to balance support for residents and businesses, with measures to tackle congestion and improve travel options.
Councillor Kate Ravilious, Executive Member for Transport, said:
“Following the introduction of new charges across the city earlier in the year, we listened to what people were telling us and made some adjustments. These changes are now being put in place.
“We’re grateful for those who’ve worked with us in reaching these decisions.
“While we remain committed to tackling congestion and making it easier for everyone to get around, we recognise some of the uplift in charges in areas where they were previously very low has felt too much in one go.”
The council also said it will continue investing in bus services, extending Park and Ride hours from 20 July, and developing walking and cycling routes as part of its wider transport strategy.
Traders response
This morning, Bishopthorpe Road business The Pig and Pastry welcomed the news on Instagram, posting:
“Great news, car park prices go down to £3 per hour as from today!”
Other parking changes
Additional adjustments coming into effect include:
- On-street parking charges in areas outside of the inner ring road will move to the £3 per hour rate
- Minster Badge discount increased to 30% from 24% to reduce the impact of increased parking charges on residents
- No Friday, Saturday, event, or evening uplift in community car parks or on-street parking outside the inner ring road
- Micklegate and Priory Street charges will align with the ‘outside the inner ring road’ rate, though city centre evening rates will still apply
- Motorcycle bays will remain free of charge, after plans to charge were dropped
- Low emission vehicle permits will now get a 20% discount (up from 16%)
- Contract Parking permits will be frozen at last year’s prices plus a 5% increase, with a 20% discount for low emission vehicles
- Coppergate car park is switching to cashless payment from 17 July, cash will still be accepted at Bootham Row and Castle Car Park
The council says these changes will be reviewed to ensure they’re set at the correct level.