City of York Council hosts in-person parking charge meetings

In-person drop-in sessions have been organised by City of York Council as part of the consultation launched following a challenge to parking charge hikes in Bishopthorpe Road, Heworth, Micklegate and The Groves.

Cllr Kate Ravilious, the council’s Labour transport spokesperson, said she hoped people affected by last year’s increases would come and give their views.

The consultation, which began in December, comes as part of a review launched in response to a legal challenge to hikes in parking charges last April.

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Hikes in charges to £4.85-an-hour for the first two and to £5.30-an-hour on Fridays, Saturdays and during events were approved as part of the 2025/6 council budget.

They were brought in as part of council efforts to encourage people to use public transport or walk and cycle instead of their cars to cut congestion.

But the hikes sparked a backlash from residents and traders in Micklegate, Bishopthorpe Road and The Groves who claimed they would make trips their more expensive and harm businesses.

Charges were later lowered to £3-an-hour in Bishopthorpe Road and temporarily reversed in Micklegate following local opposition.

Data reviews have since been run into the charges after the decision to revise the hikes in June.

Cllr Kate Ravilious, Labour transport executive member on York Council. Picture is from York Council

Consultant Arup’s consultation closed for online and paper responses on Friday, February 27.

The findings from feedback including from four upcoming meetings are set to be published in an independent review which will then inform a council decision on the charges.

Labour transport executive member Cllr Ravilious said upcoming in-person sessions were the final chance for people to give feedback.

Cllr Ravilious said: “Local people and businesses told us that they wanted some face-to-face consultation about this issue.

“I would encourage everyone affected to come to one of these sessions.”

Upcoming in-person drop-in sessions:

• Monday, March 23, Micklegate – 4.30pm to 7pm at West Offices
• Tuesday, March 24, Heworth – 4.30pm to 7pm at Tang Hall Explore
• Thursday, March 26, The Groves – 4.30pm to 7pm at Door 84
• Tuesday, March 31, Bishopthorpe Road – 5.30pm to 8pm at Clements Hall