York’s city centre businesses have voiced deep concern over a proposed sharp rise in parking charges, with local business leaders warning it could harm the economic vibrancy of the city.
Representatives from York BID, the High Street Forum, Indie York, and Hospitality Association York met with councillors, to discuss their concerns ahead of the City of York Council Executive’s budget meeting.
The proposed increases would see parking charges at council-owned car parks rise significantly. For example, the cost of parking at Monk Bar car park for the first two hours would increase from £3.10 per hour to £4.85 on Sunday through Thursday, and £5.30 on Friday and Saturday, representing a 56% and 71% rise, respectively.
City business leaders are particularly worried that the steep price increases will deter regular local customers, who are vital for city centre retailers, especially those who rely on repeat visits from residents of York and nearby towns such as Malton and Harrogate.
Andy Masheder, Owner of Monk Bar Model Shop said; “As a long-established city centre business we are concerned by the potential impact of rising car park charges. This along with the recent closure of Sainsburys will impact on the frequency of visits and what customers can spend.”
The proposed parking fee hikes come at a time when businesses are already facing rising costs due to inflation, increased supply chain expenses, and impending hikes in National Insurance contributions.
Andrew Lowson, Executive Director of York BID, said: “It’s disappointing that after years of the York BID trying to engage with City of York Council on a long-term strategy for accessing the city centre, these huge rises in car parking fees drop on the business community with no time for meaningful conversation.
“Many of the business community understand budget challenges for the local authority and the long-term ambition to reduce congestion. However, strategies on car parking need to be more nuanced and go hand-in-hand with improvements in public transport provision, as well as offer targeted incentives to consumers as part of the transition.
“Increasing parking fees overnight by 55-70% is one-dimensional thinking and will harm businesses in the city centre. It’s another blow to business amidst rising costs and at a time when business confidence is in serious decline due to the challenging national outlook.”
York’s business leaders recognise the city’s many strengths and opportunities but caution that these fee hikes risk dampening local business confidence.
Phil Pinder, Chair of the High Street Forum, said: “Last year’s record car park increases of over 12% saw a reduction of 7% on individual transactions. The council’s own figures prove that if you increase parking prices radically, fewer people will visit.
“They haven’t conducted any economic impact assessment for these measures, so it’s no surprise that so many business owners in York are alarmed at car parking price rises of over 50%. Pricing cars out of the city centre doesn’t get people on buses – it makes those car journeys go elsewhere.”
Business leaders are urging the Council to implement measures to soften the blow if the rises are approved, suggesting initiatives such as:
Introducing incentivised parking offers during off-peak times (e.g. Tuesday mornings) to boost car park occupancy and attract shoppers during quieter periods.
Extending the operating hours of park-and-ride facilities to make them more reliable and consistent.
Enhancing the quality of facilities like the Coppergate car park, improving the user experience and extending access hours through the night.
Concerns have also been raised about the consultation process.
Stefan Micevski, Chair of the Hospitality Association York (HAY) said; “The HAY group was disappointed to hear of the results of the budget consultations because the short consultation period happened over our members’ busiest time of the year. As a result, the survey only had 1,097 respondents, with just 39 of which being businesses.
“As a group, HAY had not been consulted on the topics raised, including the tourism levy which will directly impact us, and we echo the concerns from our colleagues regarding the hike in parking charges”.
Many retail and hospitality workers, especially those from rural areas without public transport options, would also feel the pinch. While the Minster Badge resident discount will increase from 10% to 30%, the badge itself is set to rise in price by 50%, offsetting much of the intended benefit.
York business leaders are today calling for a more collaborative approach to creating a sustainable and accessible city centre.
Andrew Lowson added; “York has so much going for it and we want to talk the economy up. I hope Council leaders adapt some of their recommendations to show the business community they have listened”.
