York BID Director calls for clarity on city-centre parking strategy
York BID Executive Director Andrew Lowson is calling on City of York Council to set out its plans for city-centre parking, following the conclusion of an independent review focused on four “community” car parks outside the city-centre.
York BID represents businesses within York’s city centre, where parking charges increased by more than 50% in April 2025. Despite concerns about the impact on local customers, businesses are still waiting for clarity on the Council’s longer-term city-centre parking strategy.
The community car park review followed a petition from Bishopthorpe Road traders and covered car parks in Bishopthorpe Road, Micklegate, Heworth and The Groves.
It found that businesses had experienced reduced footfall and spending, while residents reported visiting less frequently. A report going before the Council’s Executive this week recommends reducing the cost of a Minster Badge from £45 to £30 for two years and increasing the discount for badge holders from 30% to 50% in designated “community” car parks. City-centre car parks are excluded from these proposals.
Andrew Lowson said: “Eighteen months ago, businesses across York were united in their concern about the substantial increase in parking charges. It has not always been clear why the review that took place was limited to certain car parks, particularly when businesses in the city centre raised many of the same concerns. After a lengthy process, its findings confirm what traders have consistently told us: higher parking costs are discouraging local people from visiting York’s shopping areas.”
York BID has shared spending data and business feedback with the Council and hosted a focus group between traders and councillors. Current data shows year-to-date spending by local residents in 2026 is 3.8% lower when compared to the same period in 2024 and before the parking increases.
Mark Jones of Cleggs on Goodramgate said the business had experienced a 30% year-on-year reduction in turnover following the increase at Monk Bar Car Park: “We are no longer seeing many of the local customers, or those from surrounding areas, who previously shopped with us. Those we speak to frequently say they now avoid coming into the city because of the high cost of parking.
“Tourists have also told us they intended to spend a full day in York but cut their visit to just a couple of hours because of the cost. Some have even said they do not plan to return.”
In December 2025, York BID’s Board was told that a city-wide parking strategy would be developed once the community review had concluded – then planned for early 2026. The BID is now seeking an update on its timetable, scope and consultation process.
Andrew Lowson added: “The ARUP report found that the manner and scale of the parking increases did not represent good practice, but it also found that there is no evidence of people switching to public transport.
“The BID Board understands the need to reduce cars in the city centre in the long term, but this needs to be part of a phased approach with parking incentives for local people at off peak times. We are hoping for an update at our September Board meeting on what a Citywide Parking Strategy will look like and how businesses can be consulted.”
York BID recognises the financial pressures facing the Council. However, it hopes that future decisions also consider their cumulative impact on city-centre businesses and ensure York remains an attractive place to visit, work and do business.