August Footfall Figures Slump by 15%
York Liberal Democrats are renewing their call for the reintroduction of a cheaper 30-minute car parking option on Micklegate following the publication of new figures showing a 15% drop in footfall on the street in August 2025 compared to the previous year.
It has also come to light that the council has stopped publishing footfall data for Parliament Street where the June figures - the most recent full month's data available - show a worrying 7% drop in footfall.
As part of their 2025/26 alternative budget, Liberal Democrat councillors proposed setting aside £340,000 to fund a partial reversal of the parking charge increases pending completion of the review of city centre parking that was promised in the Labour council's Local Transport Strategy Implementation Plan. There is still no sign of this review having started. The Lib Dems also proposed additional funding totalling £725,000 to improve bus services, restore Dial & Ride and invest in cycling and walking routes but this was voted down by Labour councillors.
Cllr Stephen Fenton, Liberal Democrat Transport Spokesperson, said:
“When Labour hiked car parking charges without proper consultation, they claimed it would help to deliver a shift to sustainable travel. But if you want people to give up their cars, you need better bus services and safer cycling and walking infrastructure, not punitive charges that simply drive people to shop elsewhere or online. A report to a meeting of the council's Executive earlier this month confirmed a continued decline in cycling and a drop in bus usage, which further supports the case for action."
Cllr Ashley Mason, Liberal Democrat Economy Spokesperson, added:
“York’s businesses have faced a punishing summer, hit by Labour’s parking hikes and the Government’s reckless National Insurance increase.
“Traders are telling us they are struggling to keep their heads above water. Labour must act now and reintroduce a cheaper 30-minute parking option before more businesses are forced to close.”