A petition has been launched calling for the City of York Council to reconsider what campaigners are calling “damaging” price increases at a popular York car park.
As previously reported, parking charges have risen across the city this month.
On Friday (25 April), the council introduced substantial increases at the Bishopthorpe Road car park, amounting to a 500% rise on days from Sunday to Thursday, and a 562% rise on Fridays and Saturdays.
The new charges are as follows:
- Up to 1 hour: increased from £0.80 to £4.85 (£5.30 on Fri/Sat).
- 1–2 hours: from £1.60 to £9.70 (£10.60 on Fri/Sat)
- 2–3 hours: from £4.50 to £11.20 (£13.50 on Fri/Sat)
- After 6pm: previously free, now £4.
Bishopthorpe Road car park has long been one of the most affordable options for those heading into the city centre or visiting the street’s many independent cafes, bars, and shops.
Residents and business owners have described the changes as “unreasonable, unaffordable, and damaging to the local community.”
Introduced as part of the Labour-run council’s budget measures, the increases are aimed to cut car use, and price matched to a family bus ticket.
In response, resident Joe Nasson has launched a petition calling on the council to find a “fairer, more balanced solution that supports sustainable travel without punishing everyday people.”
He emphasised that small businesses on the street rely heavily on consistent footfall.
“These proposed charges risk deterring Bishy Road shoppers and diners,” he said, “undermining the viability of independent businesses already facing economic strain, and disproportionately impacting older residents, lower income families, parents with children, and those with limited mobility or no access to alternative transport.”
The appeal has already gained over 2,600 signatures.
The Stables Yoga Centre, a business located on Bishopthorpe Road, shared the petition on Facebook, urging supporters to take action.
The post read: “This huge increase will have a major impact on all businesses on Bishy Road, including the Stables.
“It will greatly affect the number of visitors to these businesses, particularly those who rely on driving to visit the street like parents with children and older people or people with less mobility.
“We’re asking all our supporters to please sign the petition against this huge price increase, to help protect businesses like the Stables and keep our yoga studio accessible for all.”
Many Facebook users pledged their support, expressing shock and frustration in response.
- “That’s crazy! Surely not the solution to any financial black hole. Thanks for highlighting.”
- “Those prices are insane.”
- “That’s disgusting, they’ve done the same on Micklegate.”
In response to the concerns, City of York Council provided YorkMix with a statement.
A spokesperson for City of York Council said:
“Following extensive consultation on the budget, in January 2025 Executive recommended changes to a wide range of parking charges. The proposals were then approved as part of the budget setting process at Full Council in February.
“This forms part of the Local Transport Strategy which seeks to make York a healthier, more sustainable and better-connected city. This includes a pricing structure which aims to cut congestion in the city centre and improve bus service reliability and other ways to travel around the city. We are aware of the concerns of residents and businesses in the area. We are listening and are monitoring the impact of these parking changes.”
If you’d like to support the petition calling for City of York Council to reconsider the price increases, click here.