York’s Conservative councillors have slammed the decision by York Labour to push ahead with 500% increases in parking in a number of local shopping area, with The Groves, Micklegate and Bishopthorpe Road hard hit. ‘Bishy’ Road will see an hour of parking rise from 80p to £4.85 and even an incredible £5.30 at certain ‘peak’ hours. Labour claim they want more people to use sustainable methods of transport, which Conservatives support, however the reality is some people have to drive and many routes are simply not serviced by good enough bus routes and certainly not that would make sense for a quick ‘pop in journey’.
When in February’s budget Labour announced the proposed parking hikes for these local areas they also increased parking in all car parks. York’s Conservative councillors spoke out against the changes and also ringfenced a new fund for parking solutions to help residents support local business; sadly the proposal was voted down by both Labour and Lib Dem councillors. Conservatives believe the continued Labour and Lib Dem parking hikes are seeing fewer people come to York and affected those on the lowest incomes the most.
Conservative councillor Mike Nicholls said
I represent Bishopthorpe ward and Bishopthorpe Road, which is one of the most affected by the changes, is a road my residents often use. I have spoken to numerous residents who say they will now not go to the Bishopthorpe Road shops or go to them less. The chance to park for 80p up to an hour was a great way to pop and do a few things, which is now gone. It will just be yet another driver of people to shop online, or take their shopping at out of town centres or to places where they do feel welcome.
The fact the Micklegate charge increase was brought in the week before Labour claimed to be holding discussions with businesses and as we are supposedly about to get a new parking strategy from them just makes a mockery of decision making.
