Welcome to Yorkshire
Published on September 9th, 2026
•In the heart of York, concerns are mounting regarding the city-centre parking strategy, particularly following a significant increase in parking charges that occurred in April 2025. Andrew Lowson, the Executive Director of York BID (Business Improvement District), has called on the City of York Council to clarify its plans for city-centre parking after the conclusion of an independent review that focused on four community car parks located outside the city centre.
Parking Charges Increased
The recent rise in parking costs has been a hot topic among local businesses and residents alike. In April 2025, parking charges surged by over 50%, leading to worries about how this would affect footfall in the city centre. York BID represents a host of businesses that rely on customer visits, and many are still in the dark regarding the Council’s long-term strategy for managing parking in the city centre. The independent review was prompted by a petition from traders on Bishopthorpe Road and looked into car parks in various areas, including Micklegate, Heworth, and The Groves. The findings indicated that many businesses had observed a decrease in both footfall and spending since the parking charges were raised, with residents also reporting that they were visiting less often.
Community Car Park Review Findings
The review highlighted key issues impacting local shops and services:
Reduced Footfall: Many businesses noted a decline in customers.
Lower Spending: Local residents are spending less in the city.
Visitor Experience: Tourists have expressed dissatisfaction with the cost of parking, with some opting to shorten their visits or avoid returning altogether.
A report due to be presented to the Council’s Executive this week suggests reducing the cost of a Minster Badge, which allows for discounted parking, from £45 to £30 for two years. The proposed increase in discounts for badge holders from 30% to 50% would apply only to designated community car parks, leaving city-centre car parks out of the equation.
Business Concerns
Andrew Lowson voiced the frustration felt by many local traders:
“Eighteen months ago, businesses across York were united in their concern about the substantial increase in parking charges. It has not always been clear why the review that took place was limited to certain car parks, particularly when businesses in the city centre raised many of the same concerns. After a lengthy process, its findings confirm what traders have consistently told us: higher parking costs are discouraging local people from visiting York’s shopping areas.”
Local business owner Mark Jones of Cleggs on Goodramgate shared his experience, revealing a staggering 30% drop in turnover year-on-year since the parking increase:
“We are no longer seeing many of the local customers, or those from surrounding areas, who previously shopped with us. Those we speak to frequently say they now avoid coming into the city because of the high cost of parking.”
The situation is not just affecting local residents; tourists have also reported cutting their visits short due to parking costs. Some have even said they do not plan to return to York, a worrying trend for a city that relies heavily on tourism for its economy.
Future of Parking Strategy
Back in December 2025, York BID’s Board received assurances that a city-wide parking strategy would be developed once the community review was complete, with plans to initiate this in early 2026. As of now, York BID is seeking an update on the timeline, scope, and consultation process for this strategy.
Andrew Lowson continued:
“The ARUP report found that the manner and scale of the parking increases did not represent good practice, but it also found that there is no evidence of people switching to public transport. The BID Board understands the need to reduce cars in the city centre in the long term, but this needs to be part of a phased approach with parking incentives for local people at off-peak times. We are hoping for an update at our September Board meeting on what a Citywide Parking Strategy will look like and how businesses can be consulted.”
Financial Pressures on the Council
York BID acknowledges the financial challenges faced by the City of York Council but hopes that future decisions will take into account their cumulative impact on city-centre businesses. The goal is to ensure that York remains an attractive destination for visitors, residents, and workers alike. As discussions continue, the outcome of the city-centre parking strategy will be crucial for the future of York’s local economy. With businesses facing increasing pressure and residents expressing their concerns, it remains to be seen how the Council will respond to these pressing issues and what measures will be implemented to support both the local economy and community needs.
