Lib Dems call for urgent action on matchday parking

Liberal Democrat councillors in Huntington & New Earswick are calling on City of York Council to urgently begin a consultation with residents over matchday parking problems around the LNER Community Stadium.

The call follows growing concerns from residents about dangerous parking on some streets during York City and York Knights matches, including reports of blocked pavements and difficulties for emergency vehicles, wheelchair users and parents with pushchairs.

Local Lib Dem campaigners have been surveying residents across the area to gather views on possible solutions, including matchday-only restrictions and improvements to public transport.

The Liberal Democrats are also congratulating both York City on their promotion and York Knights on their continued success, while recognising that larger crowds are now creating pressures in surrounding residential streets.

Before the stadium opened, Liberal Democrat councillors held meetings with council officers and stadium management where plans were developed for dedicated shuttle buses from areas including Haxby, Acomb and Poppleton to reduce car journeys to matches. However, after Covid reduced bus use, far more supporters are travelling by car again and public transport provision has never reached the intended levels.

Councillor Keith Orrell said:

“We want to congratulate both York Knights and York City on their recent success. It’s great for York that both teams have achieved promotion in recent years and that more residents are enjoying watching their teams at the stadium.

“I’ve walked around on match days and seen that most supporters park responsibly but been concerned that emergency vehicles would have great difficulty on some streets. This has been reported to the Council and the police.

“People have different views on restrictions, which is exactly why the Council now needs to properly consult residents street-by-street before the start of the next football season.”

Councillor Carol Runciman added:

“When the stadium first opened to crowds of around 3,000, consultations took place and restrictions were introduced where local residents supported them. As our teams have enjoyed success, crowds have increased and are now regularly over 6,000. The situation has changed completely.

“We also need better public transport options. The original intention was for dedicated bus services from across the city so supporters would not need to drive. The Council and stadium operators must now revisit those plans urgently.”

Councillor Chris Cullwick said:

“Any future measures should reflect the wishes of individual streets, with some residents favouring restrictions while others do not.

“There are currently only around 400 parking spaces available at the Monks Cross Park and Ride for matchdays. We hope that businesses around Vangarde and Monks Cross will now work with the community to help provide additional parking capacity on those days.

“Huntington residents support York City and York Knights and want both clubs to succeed. But residents also deserve to feel safe and listened to in their own streets.

“The Council must now stop delaying and start a proper consultation process before next season begins.”