Local traders and shoppers from Bishopthorpe Road have responded to the latest update in York’s ongoing car parking price saga.
Last month, the Labour-led City of York Council, introduced substantial increases to car parking charges across the city. One of which saw the hourly rate at Bishopthorpe Road rise from 80p to £4.85, and to £5.30 on Fridays and Saturdays.
Following strong backlash from traders and residents, including a petition that gathered over 8,000 signatures, the council has agreed to reduce the rise. Instead of the original increase of up to 562%, the hourly charge will now equate to a 275% rise to £3 per hour.
Labour councillors defended the changes as a strategy to discourage car use, cut congestion, and improve bus service reliability. However, residents and business owners from Bishopthorpe Road disputed this.
They believe that the car park primarily serves locals who stop by for short visits, rather than long stay visitors who park in the city centre. They fear the increased charges will push shoppers to retail parks further afield, harming independent businesses rather than reducing car usage.
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YorkMix spoke to several shoppers and traders about whether they felt £3 per hour was a reasonable adjustment.
Todd LePage, owner of Pextons, agrees that the changes are a positive step, but feels the increase is still an unreasonable jump.
“We appreciate the fact that they are now turning it back into a short stay car park and eliminating the overnight charge.
“And it might sound reasonable to you to go from £4.85 to £3, but when your starting point is 80p per hour, it’s still too much of a deterrent,” he told YorkMix.
He believes the £3 fee will still drive potential custom to larger retail parks, especially those who just want to stop briefly.
“It is better for people who are coming for longer, for example three hours getting your hair done, it is better. However, for people that just want to pop in, no, they’re still going to go elsewhere.”
Todd also believes the decisions are not being data-led. “When we asked them about what methodology they use, they really couldn’t give us anything except say we’re going to put you in line with East Parade and Rowntree Park.
“Which are two completely different areas,” he added.
Ruth, owner of The Good Food Shop, shared similar opinions. While she expressed her satisfaction with the council’s response to traders’ concerns, she too believes the £3 charge is still too high.
“We are really pleased that the council have listened and taken some action, but traders are of the view that actually the three pound mark still doesn’t represent who’s using the car park,” she told YorkMix.
For Ruth, an agreement that would suit all parties consists of two options.
One being a price reduction to £2 per hour, or the first hour being free and a £3 charge for the following hours. The traders have put these suggestions forward to the council, and are awaiting to hear back.
Despite ongoing concerns, Ruth remains hopeful, “It feels like there is a bit of an open door with the council at the moment that means we can speak with them, and obviously they are taking feedback on board from residents and from traders.
“It’s a real strength to see what people in the community feel about their local, independent high streets, and them choosing to shop here.
“They don’t want to be forced to shop at big corporations, it’s great that we’ve had such support from the community,” she added.
‘Absolutely scandalous’
YorkMix spoke to a few shoppers on the street, who also voiced their frustrations.
Angela, a local resident, told YorkMix that doubling the 80p per hour charge would have been sufficient, and criticised the price hikes.
She lives close to Bishopthorpe Road, so generally walks in, or parks using a Blue Badge when travelling in with her husband, who has disabilities.
She however feels for the elderly people who want to use the street for an hour maximum, “the buses here are very poor, and it’s a lot to spend to park if you don’t have a Blue Badge.”
Mervyn, another local resident, expressed his strong disapproval of the changes.
“It’s absolutely scandalous, and that is from a York pensioner,” he told YorkMix.
Mervyn and his wife rely on their Blue Badge to park, but he stated that without it, he would not be paying the increased prices.
An Australian businessman, Stephen, who visits York a few times a year for work, spoke to YorkMix whilst awaiting his massage appointment on Bishopthorpe Road.
He expressed his concern for traders down the street, and suggested a reasonable price as £1.50 per hour, based on his knowledge of the area.
“It seems outrageous that a suburban car park would have such a price hike when it seems to be used mainly by locals, all it’s going to do is hurt the local shops,” he said.
Speaking about the impact of parking on businesses, he cited examples from his own hometown, Canberra, on how changes like this could see the end of some businesses.
“We’ve seen this back in Australia, where price hikes have actually caused the end of businesses, particularly on high streets where parking is difficult.
“It will probably drive people more online, you can actually get an Uber Delivery for less than five pounds. So when you look at it that way, you’re better off staying in the comfort of your own home, getting someone to bring your shopping to you.”
Is £3 per hour a fair compromise, or should the council go further? Let us know your thoughts at [email protected].