City centre parking charge consultation extended

A consultation of car parking charges in York has been extended until February to allow more time for residents and businesses to respond, the council has said.

The review, which covers Bishopthorpe Road, Micklegate, The Groves and now Heworth, follows local backlash to the City of York Council's parking price increase last April.

Drivers using council-owned car parking spots - including those on Bishopthorpe Road - saw prices rise from 80p per hour to £4.85 per hour, although the charge was later dropped to £3.

Councillor Kate Ravilious, executive member for transport, said she encouraged everyone affected by the issue to "have their say on parking charges in these areas".

At the time of the parking charge increase, the council said it was part of efforts to combat congestion in the city centre.

After an adverse reaction from residents, including traders reporting a drop in takings, the local authority agreed to lower costs but to a higher rate than original prices.

Residents of Bishopthorpe Road, Micklegate and The Groves lodged a challenge to the parking hike through The Right to Challenge Parking Policies Statutory Guidance under the Traffic Management Act 2004.

Separately, traders in Heworth raised a petition against the proposed increases in car parking charges in their area.

The review was first launched in mid-December, without the inclusion of Heworth.

The entire consultation, which now includes all four areas, will be open to respondents until 27 February.

It can be completed in a number of ways, including online, by phone or by post.

Ravilious said that "every effort" was being made to publicise the review, and that paper copies of the survey could be found in shops, community venues and libraries.

The council appointed independent consultants Arup to conduct the review, and will later publish the findings and further details of when it will be considered.

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