York businesses blame higher parking charges for lost customers

York parking costs accused of driving shoppers away from businesses

York parking charges blamed for putting off customers as businesses report lost trade Businesses in York say higher parking charges are affecting customer numbers, with some shoppers choosing to go elsewhere because of the cost of parking. The concerns come as York City Council has agreed to reduce parking costs in some community car parks for drivers displaying a valid Minster Badge. Businesses say higher parking charges are hitting trade Andrew Lowson, director of York Business Improvement District, said businesses had repeatedly reported shorter visits and customers blaming parking costs for choosing alternative destinations. The comments follow the council's decision to increase parking charges in 2025, which prompted petitions from traders in several community shopping areas. Rachel Andrews of Newton's Barbers in Heworth said customers previously paid 40p for half an hour, while the same period now costs £3. She said the change had contributed to a drop in custom and estimated the business had lost around 10% of its trade. Andrews also raised concerns about the potential impact on staffing if customer numbers continue to fall. At Headquarters Hair Salon in Heworth, Gemma Lyons said some customers, particularly older people, were struggling to find affordable parking since prices increased. She said some customers were visiting less frequently, while longer appointments could also be difficult because of parking time limits. Lyons highlighted customers attending appointments lasting four or five hours, saying the three-hour stay at East Parade could be insufficient for some services. The issue has also become part of a wider debate over whether parking charges are helping or hurting York's community shopping areas. Council cuts some community parking costs Following petitions from traders in Bishopthorpe Road, Heworth, Micklegate and The Groves, an independent review by Arup examined community car parking and on-street charges. The council has now agreed to make parking 50% cheaper in three community car parks and some on-street spaces in community areas for drivers with a valid Minster Badge. The cost of a Minster Badge will also fall to £15 a year, compared with £45 for two years previously. Senior Labour councillor Kate Ravilious, who is responsible for transport, said the changes were intended to support residents and community shopping areas while continuing to encourage sustainable travel. However, Ravilious said the council did not believe free half-hour or one-hour parking was the right approach, warning that it could increase congestion and affect bus reliability. The council also pointed to wider economic pressures affecting York, including inflation, geopolitical conflicts, fiscal policies and job losses at significant employers. The parking changes are therefore likely to remain part of the wider discussion about how York can support local businesses while managing congestion and encouraging different ways of travelling. For drivers, the latest changes mean some community parking areas will become cheaper for Minster Badge holders, although the reductions do not remove the wider debate over the cost and availability of parking in York.