York Parking Charge Cuts Branded ‘Too Little, Too Late’

York Parking Plans Face Criticism Over Short-Stay Charges

York Parking Charge Cuts Branded ‘Too Little, Too Late’ as Plans Defended Plans to reduce some parking charges in York have been criticised by opposition councillors and a local trader, who say the proposed changes do not go far enough to undo the impact of last year’s increases. The proposals would reduce the cost of Minster Badge residents parking discount permits and increase discounts in some community parking areas if approved. Under the plans, Minster Badge permits would cost £15 a year rather than £45 for two years, while discounts in selected community areas would rise from 30 per cent to 50 per cent. The higher discount would apply to locations including Bishopthorpe Road, East Parade and Rowntree Park car parks, along with on-street parking in areas such as Micklegate and The Groves. However, the reduced Minster Badge rates would not apply to council-run car parks in York city centre. Calls for Cheaper Short-Stay Parking Liberal Democrat economy spokesperson Cllr Ashley Mason and Conservative Cllr Mike Nicholls have both argued that the council should also introduce cheaper half-hour parking tariffs. Cllr Mason said the proposed Minster Badge discount was welcome but described it as “too little, too late”, arguing that local businesses were already facing pressure. Cllr Nicholls also criticised the decision not to consider free half-hour parking, saying short visits were important for smaller shopping areas such as Bishopthorpe Road. Ruth Phillips, co-owner of Bishopthorpe Road’s Good Food Shop and a member of the Bishopthorpe Road Traders Association, said a reduced-price Minster Badge would not go far enough to support residents and traders. The latest proposals follow an Arup review into the impact of parking charges in Bishopthorpe Road, Heworth, Micklegate and The Groves, which was launched after a legal challenge over last year’s increases. Parking charges across council-run car parks were increased in 2025 as part of efforts to reduce car journeys in York by a fifth by 2030. The changes led to criticism from residents, traders and opposition councillors, with charges later reduced at Bishopthorpe Road car park and for on-street parking in Micklegate. Council Defends Parking Strategy Cllr Kate Ravilious, the council’s Labour transport spokesperson, defended the latest proposals and said they were designed to balance the needs of residents and local businesses with efforts to reduce congestion. She said introducing free or 30-minute parking rates could encourage more short car journeys and increase congestion, while also affecting bus service reliability. Cllr Ravilious said the increase in parking charges had already contributed to changes in travel habits, including increased walking, cycling and bus use over the previous year. A decision on the proposed Minster Badge changes is due to be made on Wednesday, September 9. If approved, the changes would give residents greater discounts in several community parking areas, while leaving city-centre council car parks outside the reduced-rate scheme. The debate highlights the continuing disagreement in York over how parking charges should balance support for local traders and residents with the council’s wider transport aims.