York Parking Charge Cuts Criticised as Councillors Demand More

York Traders Say Proposed Parking Discounts Do Not Go Far Enough

York Parking Charge Cuts Criticised by Councillors and Traders Plans to reduce parking charges in York have been criticised by councillors and local traders, who say the proposed changes do not go far enough to undo the impact of previous price increases. York City Council is proposing to cut the cost of residents' parking permits by a third, while discounts at several community parking areas would increase from 30% to 50%. If approved, the changes would also reduce the cost of a Minster Badge to £15 a year, compared with the current £45 charge for two years. The Minster Badge provides residents with discounts when using council car parks and on-street parking bays, although the proposed discount would not apply in city-centre council car parks. Traders Call for Cheaper Short-Stay Parking Ruth Phillips, co-owner of the Good Food Shop on Bishopthorpe Road, said the proposed reductions would not provide enough support for people facing difficult economic conditions. Representing the Bishopthorpe Road Traders Association, Phillips said calls for cheaper short-stay parking had not been addressed. Under the proposed changes, discounts at Bishopthorpe Road, East Parade and Rowntree Park car parks would rise to 50%, along with discounts for some on-street parking areas including Micklegate and The Groves. However, Liberal Democrat opposition economy spokesperson Ashley Mason and Conservative councillor Mike Nicholls have called for cheaper half-hour parking tariffs to be introduced. Mason argued that the evidence showed parking charges were too high and said cheaper first-30-minute parking could provide greater support for local businesses. Nicholls also criticised the decision not to introduce free half-hour parking, arguing that previous increases had particularly affected people on lower incomes. Council Defends Parking Strategy The council's Labour administration has defended its approach, saying cheaper short-stay parking could encourage more short journeys by car and increase congestion in York. Labour transport spokesperson Kate Ravilious said free or 30-minute parking would make the city more congested and could worsen bus service reliability. She also said the previous increase in parking charges had contributed to changes in travel habits, with more people walking, cycling and using buses over the last year. Parking fees 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 sparked opposition from residents, traders and opposition councillors, with some charges subsequently reduced at Bishopthorpe Road car park and for on-street parking in Micklegate. The latest proposals are therefore likely to continue the debate over how York can balance parking costs, support for local businesses and efforts to reduce car journeys.