Traders on Bishopthorpe Road say it is on a ‘knife edge’ as footfall has dropped following the car park fees hike.
They say City of York Council figures show visits to Bishopthorpe Road are down 23% in October and November 2025 compared to 2024 whilst other areas are seeing a 7% decline.
But the council’s transport lead says the drop in footfall on the road pre-dates the parking charge rise and adds they will “work with Bishy Rd traders to find positive ways to support them in reversing this longer term decline”. The full response from Cllr Kate Ravilious is below.
Bishopthorpe Road car park charges were increased from 80p per hour to £4.85 per hour for the first two hours from Sunday to Thursday and £5.30 on Fridays, Saturdays and during events.
After that hike caused outrage, the charges were reduced to £3 an hour in June.
That’s still a 275% increase on the previous rate, which traders say is “unfair, unreasonable and disproportionate”.
Traders on the street, commonly known as Bishy Road, say the increased prices have driven people to out of town shopping centres and supermarkets who offer free parking “and as such parking charges will be the death of many small, independent businesses”.
There are 40 independent businesses on Bishopthorpe Road. Their fears about the future of the street come just over ten years after it was named the best high street in Britain.
They are demanding answers from City of York Council after more than eight months waiting for action “now the data is there that the prices are having an impact on small, local and independent businesses”.
They say there has been no improvement in bus provision (aside from a trial Sunday no 11 bus), no additional cycle racks, and no enhancement of sustainable travel options.
“Instead, those who rely on car access – including older residents, people with mobility challenges, carers, pregnant women and parents with young children – are being priced out of their local high street.”
‘We need action’
Traders say: “We want York council to recognise the negative impact their parking policy is having on residents and businesses and work with traders and the community to find a solution.”
They are urging residents to complete the council’s online survey about the car park price rises “to help save our high street”. The deadline for comments is 2 February.
Ruth Phillips, co-owner of The Good Food Shop, said: “We have the evidence that businesses on the street are being affected through loss of revenue and income which is as a result of a loss of footfall to the street.
“We need action as promised to save the high street. This policy has not reduced congestion just left our street on a knife-edge.”
Co-owner of The Bishy Weigh Joe Nasson said: “We agree that congestion needs to be reduced for the benefit of public health and the environment.
“However, people’s behaviours haven’t changed by increasing car park prices. They simply drive further to alternative destinations.
“Bus services, safe cycle routes and parking and sustainable travel options need to be provided. As it is, the current prices discriminate against the vulnerable and low income members of our community.”
‘Concerning to see’
Cllr Kate Ravilious, executive member for transport at City of York Council said: “While trade across the UK has dipped over the last year we see that York has remained buoyant, with strong footfall figures and fewer empty premises this year compared to last.
“However, it’s concerning to see the trading data for Bishopthorpe Road following a different pattern to the rest of the city, with a 28% drop in trade between October 24 and April 25 – long before the rise in parking charges.
“Since April 2025, when the parking prices were raised, trade has levelled and remained steady.
“Bishy Rd traders have told us that nearly 80% of their customers walk, wheel, cycle and travel by bus to their businesses, which is positive to hear and something we’re keen to help them build on.
“We’re listening to feedback via our parking review now, and we’ll continue to work with Bishy Rd traders to find positive ways to support them in reversing this longer term decline.”
