York shop's income plummets after parking fee rise – ‘New strategy needed'

A business leader has urged York council to outline its plans for a car parking strategy, saying higher fees are discouraging residents from shopping local. Andrew Lowson is executive director of the York BID (Business Improvement District). It represents traders in the city centre, where parking charges increased by more than 50% in April 2025. His comments come after an independent review focused on four 'community' car parks outside the city centre – Bishopthorpe Road, Micklegate, Heworth and The Groves It found that businesses had experienced reduced footfall and spending, while residents reported visiting less frequently. City centre retailers are saying the same thing, says Mr Lowson. Andrew Lowson. Photograph: York BID One retailer, home and giftware shop Cleggs, has experienced a 30% drop in turnover following the increase at Monk Bar Car Park. Mr 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.' A report going before the council's executive tomorrow 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. Locals spend less York BID has shared spending data and business feedback with the council and hosted a focus group between traders and councillors. 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 his 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,' he said. Spending by residents. Chart: York BID '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.' What the council says City of York Council says its independent review of car parking was limited to the four community car parks because they 'were legally and statutory obliged to only respond to the specific areas addressed by petitioners'. A council spokesperson said: 'The report identifies many different reasons for lower takings in shopping areas noting that this is an ongoing national trend across towns and cities all over the country occurring before any local parking charge increases. Cllr Kate Ravilious, Labour transport executive member on York Council. 'It also notes that City of York Council has no to very limited influence over parking management and charges in many areas which are privately managed.' The council says it now has an updated report which includes public transport data which demonstrates a 2.5% increase in passengers using the Park & Ride last year, and a 6.5% increase in cycling levels. Councillor Kate Ravilious, executive member for transport said: 'We will be looking carefully at the recommendations from the independent report, as well as those from Place Scrutiny Committee, before deciding on the way forward.'