Lib Dem Councillors Hear Concerns from Traders Over Parking Charge Hikes

Liberal Democrat councillors have renewed their calls for Labour’s Council Bosses to take urgent action after meeting with traders from East Parade, The Groves, Walmgate, and Micklegate about the devastating impact of recent city centre parking charge increases.

Councillors Paula Widdowson and Ashley Mason met with local business owners and church users on Monday evening to hear first-hand accounts of how the controversial changes are already affecting livelihoods and community life.

A key concern raised by attendees was that no consultation had been carried out with traders or churches before the changes were implemented. Businesses reported a sharp fall in footfall, with several warning they are now facing closure due to customers being priced out of visiting.

Traders were particularly angered by the removal of the 30-minute parking period and a significant increase in the cost of the first hour, which has severely affected short-stay shopping essential for local, independent businesses.

The areas affected, East Parade, The Groves, Walmgate, and Micklegate, are community shopping areas used daily by York’s residents. Attendees warned that the changes are pushing people to drive further to out-of-town retail parks, increasing car journeys and undermining the council’s own environmental goals.

Church leaders in the Micklegate area also raised concerns about a decline in attendance if the council ploughs ahead with its plan to abolish free Sunday morning parking for churchgoers.

Cllr Paula Widdowson said:

“The increases in parking charges, with little accompanying investment into more frequent and later running buses, are pushing people to drive further into out-of-town retail parks, which means more cars on the road and longer journeys for those who can’t afford the extra cost. This policy could completely backfire and worsen congestion across the city.”

Cllr Ashley Mason added:

“This increase in parking charges is hurting local businesses and residents at a time where the Labour government have hiked National Insurance contributions. Traders are already feeling the impact with fewer customers, and residents who rely on local shops are being pushed out of their neighbourhoods. We can’t afford to lose more businesses or alienate people from the areas they live in.”

The Liberal Democrats will continue to meet with affected groups across the city and will bring forward proposals to the Council reflecting the concerns raised.