Fears that free parking outside shops in York could be lost in latest reforms

York residents need clarity over council plans that could affect some free parking spaces in the city.

That’s the call from Stephen Fenton, transport spokesperson for the opposition Liberal Democrats.

It comes after Labour’s transport lead Cllr Kate Ravilious said the council would look to address anomalies such as areas with free spaces within 2km of the city centre in a forthcoming strategy on parking.

Cllr Fenton said the administration should clarify which areas of free parking might be lost as a result.

He added the council should learn from its handling of the implementation of parking charges. This saw some out-of-town car parks see fees rise by more than 500%, prompting a huge backlash and a change in the policy.

The Lib Dem said residents and businesses should be properly consulted before any further changes are made.

“There are questions about what spots of free parking the council plans to start charging for,” Cllr Fenton said.

“These include where this 2km zone starts from and what areas it will cover? Is this about introducing charges for parking bays outside shops which are currently free?

“Or is there a broader plan to impose residential parking permit (ResPark) schemes on any streets within the 2km zone that are not currently covered?

“Residents and businesses understandably would like answers to these questions so that they understand what is being proposed and can have their say.”

Cllr Ravilious said the existing system meant that some areas were currently getting preferrential treatment over others.

She added the Liberal Democrats had failed to develop an effective parking strategy for York while in power.

The Labour executive member said: “We are now working with council officers to unravel the mess and develop a clear, fair and consistent parking strategy for the city that helps to reduce traffic congestion, supports and enables sustainable travel and meets the needs of residents and businesses.

“We’ll not be rushed into developing this strategy and will be working with local communities to ensure that any potential changes strike the right balance between addressing traffic congestion and parking problems whilst still providing the parking that each local community needs.

“The Liberal Democrats can always come and talk to me directly, rather than through the press.

“I would welcome their input in developing the parking strategy, and I suggest that this would be a more effective way of achieving the outcomes we are all looking for.”