Parking charges are set to rise during the York Christmas Market.
This is in line with the policy, introduced by City of York Council earlier this year, to increase charges during big events.
It means that while the Christmas Market is on (13 November-21 December), parking charges between Sunday and Thursday are lifted to the current rate for Fridays and Saturdays.
Video
The car parks affected by these changes are
- Bootham Row
- Castle
- Coppergate
- Esplanade
- Foss Bank
- Marygate
- Monk Bar
- Nunnery Lane
- St George’s Field
- and Union Terrace.
It means that, for example, parking for five hours on a Sunday would rise from £18.60 to £21.50.
Bishopthorpe Road, East Parade and Rowntree Park car parks will remain at their current prices during this period.
The changes also impact the following on street central parking locations: Carmelite Street, Lord Mayors Walk, North Street, Piccadilly, Skeldergate, Tanner’s Moat, Bishophill Senior, Cromwell Rd, Cumberland St, George St, Leadmill Lane, Lower Friargate, Lower Priory St, Margaret St, Foss Islands Road (large vehicles) and Walmgate.
And they affect evening parking prices on Fossgate, St Deny’s Road Stonebow, Lawrence St, Micklegate and Priory Street. All other on street parking locations will remain at their current levels.
This decision came after public feedback during last year’s budget consultation which showed that 62% supported increases for major events in the city, as a way to help balance the budget instead of making additional service cuts to transport and highways.
Councillor Kate Ravilious, Executive Member for Transport said: “All income generated from parking goes back into transport in the city. We are spending more than ever before on highways maintenance and are also investing in our bus network and in walking and cycling routes to help residents and visitors to travel sustainably.
“Residents will still be able to use their Minster Badge for discounted parking rates and there are a number of other ways people can visit and travel around York this Christmas.
“Extra Park & Ride buses are running with free travel for up to three children with a paying adult. A family of five can also travel around the city on any bus for £9.60 with an all York pass.”
What drivers say
On Friday, 10 October, we asked drivers using the Castle Car Park in York city centre what they thought of the charges.
You can see their answers in the video above. Here’s a selection of quotes.
“Outrageous price. We’ve only come here for a short while, for two hours to look around, and we’re being asked to pay £10.60, which, to me, is absolutely outrageous. So we’re considering going somewhere else” – Peter
“It’s very expensive for an hour, £5.30 an hour. That’s a lot of money, isn’t it, if you’re just nipping in.
“We’re big fans of the Park and Ride. That’s why that price was a bit of a shock. The Park and Ride is actually really good around here, to be fair.” – Scott and Alison from Durham
“It costs £5.30 now for an hour, which is a bit ridiculous to say that this is not premium parking.
“It would be nice if this car park did have a little bit of spring cleaning every now and again, just to keep it looking like somewhere you’d want to keep your car. Because I don’t really feel safe leaving my car, to be honest. But it’s convenient” – Tom
“I think the prices are diabolical. There should be more reasonable charges. If you come for the day with the family and here for the day to look at other tourist attractions, you’re paying out on money anyway, just makes your whole day even more expensive” – Carl
