York Council Proposes Cheaper Parking for Minster Badge Holders

York Parking Charges Could Be Cut After 2025 Backlash

York Parking Charges Could Be Cut After Backlash Over 2025 Hikes Some parking charges in York could be reduced after the council unveiled proposals following a review of increases that sparked opposition from residents, traders and councillors. The plans would reduce the cost of Minster Badges for residents to £15 a year and increase parking discounts in several community areas to 50%. Minster Badge parking discounts could increase Under the proposals, the cost of a Minster Badge would fall from the current £45 for two years to £15 a year. Existing badge holders who paid the current rate would not receive a refund if the proposed changes are approved. Minster Badge discounts at Bishopthorpe Road, East Parade and Rowntree Park car parks, as well as some on-street areas including Micklegate and The Groves, would increase from 30% to 50%. That would reduce the parking charge for Minster Badge holders in those locations from £3 an hour to £1.50 an hour. The reduced Minster Badge rates would not apply to council-run car parks in York city centre. Council considers impact of parking changes The proposals follow an independent review into the impact of parking charge increases introduced in 2025. The increases led to significant opposition and prompted a review covering Bishopthorpe Road, Heworth, Micklegate and The Groves. A council report said city centre footfall and spending were lower in 2025 and 2026 than in previous years, based on York Business Improvement District data. However, the report said it was not possible to determine how much of the change was caused by parking charges and how much was linked to wider national and international factors affecting consumer confidence. Council figures also showed increases in walking, cycling and the use of local buses and Park & Ride services. The proposed changes are estimated to result in around £18,000 in lost parking revenue, although the council said this could be partly offset if more residents purchase Minster Badges. Officials also expect car park use to increase if the proposals go ahead, although the predicted rise in traffic is expected to be limited. The council's executive is due to consider the proposals on Wednesday, September 9, with any approved changes expected to be introduced in the weeks afterwards once parking systems have been updated. The review by consultants Arup found that the 2025 parking changes had followed due process and were broadly comparable with changes elsewhere in the UK, but said the way the increases were handled had not followed best practice. The council now plans to carry out informal consultation before any future significant increases to parking charges and publish annual car parking fee and income figures if the proposed changes proceed. Council transport executive member Cllr Kate Ravilious described the review as a valuable process and said the authority had learned lessons from the reaction to the 2025 increases. The proposals represent an attempt to find a balance between managing parking, supporting local communities and encouraging different forms of transport as York works towards its target of reducing car journeys by a fifth by 2030.