Proposals to abolish separate parking permits for tenants in York houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) could save them more than £90, but some would pay more.
The proposals, which are set to go out to a consultation, would see HMO permits costing £202.50 scrapped and the properties brought into the standard residential parking system (ResPark).
Labour’s Cllr Rachel Melly, of Guildhall ward, said the current system penalised the young and people on low incomes and while designated HMO bays stopped them parking near their homes.
But a City of York Council report said 23 of the 113 current HMO permit holders would pay £37.50 more for permits, five would pay £297.50 more and two would lose them.
The proposals mean that extra charges for additional permits would apply to HMO tenants in the same way as they do in the ResPark system.
A household’s first ResPark permit costs £109.95 a year, with a second costing £240 and a third £500.
The number of permits is capped at three per household.
The plans would result in 83 HMO tenants saving £92.55 a year but the rest would have to pay the additional charges.
Two tenants in the one HMO in York which has five permit holders would no longer be eligible due to the cap.
Permits would be offered on a first come first served basis, according to the council’s report.
Able to park anywhere
But it would mean that permit holders would be able to park anywhere within their ResPark zone, while the current system limits them to C and GM bays.
Cllr Melly told the transport decision session yesterday (12 November) the changes would bring equality to the system.
The Guildhall ward councillor said: “People who live in HMOs don’t have the same right to park near their home that those who own a home or who live with their families have, I’m some areas they’re not allowed to park at all even though their neigbours are allowed.
“The current system also causes confusion because of the different types of permits and for some it’s unclear which you’re supposed to purchase.
“The current two-tier system leaves young people and people on low incomes feeling discriminated against.”
Council transport spokesperson Cllr Kate Ravilious said there was no easy or obvious solution to the issue but the proposals would be more equitable.
The executive member said: “These changes recognise the space pressure in streets while also giving all residents access to parking permits.”