Parking charge hikes during York’s Christmas Market have been branded a cash grab by opposition parties but the council’s transport spokesperson has said they are needed to curb congestion.
City of York Council’s Liberal Democrat opposition economy spokesperson Cllr Ashley Mason said hiking city centre fees to £5.30-an-hour for the first two hours risked turning away trade that businesses relied on.
Conservative group leader Cllr Chris Steward said the move was an unacceptable plan to bash motorists.
But the council’s Labour administration’s transport spokesperson Cllr Kate Ravilious said not going ahead with the hikes would be irresponsible and clog up York, hitting bus services and harming businesses.
It comes after the council announced hikes to charges from Sunday to Thursday which will bring them into line with those in place on Fridays, Saturdays and during events.
Fees at car parks within York’s inner ring road are typically £4.85-an-hour for the first two between Sunday and Thursday.
A 10 per cent premium is now imposed during peak times on Fridays, Saturdays and during events in an effort to raise money from visitors.
The council says increasing charges during events received the backing of most of those who took part in its consultation on this year’s budget and they would help raise additional funds.
But Liberal Democrat Cllr Mason said the council should be supporting traders in the run up to Christmas and it should look at half-hourly parking options to raise money instead.
The opposition economy spokesperson said: “This Christmas cash grab is the wrong move at the wrong time.
“At a period when most city centre businesses make the bulk of their annual profit, Labour are putting up barriers that will simply turn people away.”
Conservative leader Cllr Steward said ruling Labour had not learnt from the backlash which saw them lower parking charges in places such as Bishopthorpe Road following opposition to the hikes.
The Conservative said: “This seems yet another unacceptable plan for Labour to bash the motorist and in doing so city centre businesses.
“There seems no limit to which Labour will not go in hiking parking fees and it is disappointing that they have not learnt from earlier in the year.”
But Labour transport executive member Cllr Kate Ravilious said the charges incentivised people to walk, cycle or travel by bus to the market.
She added York’s Park and Rides were a cheaper option for those wanting to drive to the incredibly popular event.
Cllr Ravilious said: “It’s irresponsible of Liberal Democrats and Conservatives to be encouraging congestion on our roads, showing they are not serious about improving bus services serving the communities they represent.
“We need to get people in and out of the city sustainably, freeing up roads for those that need to use them including builders, bus drivers and blue light services.”
Christmas fees
Increases to rates approved in the council’s budget for 2025/6 are part of efforts to cut car use though they were revised in some places following a backlash.
Fees are set to be hiked during the Christmas Market which starts on Thursday, November 13 and ends on Saturday, December 21, with charges returning to normal the day after.
Charges are set to increase at the Bootham Row, Castle, Coppergate, Esplanade, Foss Bank, Marygate, Monk Bar, Nunnery Lane, St George’s Field and Union Terrace car parks.
Prices at the Bishopthorpe Road, East Parade and Rowntree Park sites will be unaffected.
On-street parking fees are also set to rise in Bishophill Senior, Carmelite Street, Cromwell Road, Cumberland Street, Foss Islands Road (large vehicles), Leadmill Lane, Lord Mayors Walk and Lower Friargate.
Lower Priory Street, North Street, Piccadilly, Skeldergate, St George Street, St Margaret Street, Tanner’s Moat and Walmgate are also affected.
Evening charges are also set to increase in Fossgate, Lawrence Street, Micklegate, Priory Street and St Deny’s Road Stonebow, with all others staying at their current rates.
