York Designer Outlet Parking Ban Could Become Year-Round

York Shopping Centre Parking Ban Sparks Warning Over Congestion

York Designer Outlet Parking Ban Could Become Year-Round A seasonal parking ban around York's McArthur Glen Designer Outlet could become permanent after councillors approved plans for new year-round double yellow lines. The restrictions are designed to tackle congestion and obstructive parking on Naburn Lane and St Nicholas Avenue, where vehicles have reportedly been left on roadsides, verges and the central reservation. Why are parking restrictions being introduced? The restrictions have previously been used temporarily around Christmas when the Designer Outlet becomes particularly busy. City of York Council said making the measures permanent would help tackle parking on verges and footpaths and reduce the need for traffic cones during the outlet's Winter Wonderland event. Double yellow lines are planned along both sides of parts of Naburn Lane, with one side excluded on the section directly in front of homes. Restrictions would also cover St Nicholas Avenue from the A19 Fulford Interchange through to the roundabout outside the Designer Outlet's car park. Council officials said parking problems had been reported on St Nicholas Avenue in recent years, including vehicles being left on the roadside, verges and central reservation. The restrictions could also help manage parking if the shopping centre holds more events outside the Christmas period. Outlet warns restrictions could worsen congestion The proposed restrictions have received a warning from the Designer Outlet's manager, who said removing roadside parking could make congestion worse. Paul Tyler said the outlet welcomed the proposed restrictions on Naburn Lane but asked the council to reconsider the measures affecting St Nicholas Avenue. He said the centre has around 2,700 parking spaces, including 1,000 spaces reserved for the Park & Ride, but argued that demand during busy periods can exceed the available capacity. Mr Tyler suggested that leaving part of St Nicholas Avenue available could provide an additional option for around 150 vehicles to park. However, councillor Kate Ravilious said the council needed to consider road-user safety and the wider impact of obstructive parking and congestion. She said there had been instances where buses were unable to reach the Designer Outlet stop because of congestion on the approach. What happens next? The parking restrictions were approved at a City of York Council Transport Decision Session on 22 September. Talks are now expected to take place between council officials and the shopping centre over whether the outlet should cover the cost of installing the restrictions. For drivers heading to the Designer Outlet, the proposed changes could mean less roadside parking around the approach roads, particularly during busy periods and events. The story also highlights a wider problem for motorists visiting popular destinations: having a large car park does not necessarily mean finding a convenient space will be easy when demand is high. Drivers planning visits to busy shopping centres and attractions can reduce the risk of arriving without a suitable parking option by checking parking arrangements before travelling. EveryonesParking can help motorists look for parking options in advance when destination car parks are likely to be busy. The latest plans are intended to improve safety and manage obstructive parking, but the concerns raised by the outlet mean the effect on traffic and parking availability will be closely watched.