Shoppers angry over 500% parking charge increase

Residents and business owners have described a 500% rise in charges at a local car park as a "disgrace".

A petition to scrap the fees on Bishopthorpe Road in York has been set up after they jumped overnight from 80p per hour to £4.85.

Joe Nasson, owner of eco-pantry store The Bishy Weigh, said the increases were "unreasonable and unaffordable" and would damage the community.

City of York Council, which runs the 35-space car park, said the changes were part of the "local transport strategy which seeks to make York a healthier, more sustainable and better-connected city".

Tracey Hindmarch, who owns Millies Fruit & Veg on Bishopthorpe Road, agreed with Mr Nasson and feared she would lose trade.

She said: "We're thinking this just might kill the business down here.

"One of my customers has said what would normally cost £11 for her breakfast, she's now spent nearly £30 for two people to come out as she didn't know the car park had gone up, she said she won't be doing it again."

The £4.85 fee between Sunday and Thursday rises to £5.30 on Friday, Saturdays and days when events are held.

Passers-by who spoke to the BBC said they would "simply not pay" the fee despite the lack of non-permit parking in the area.

Bishopthorpe Road is known for its independent shops and restaurants, and won Great British High Street of the Year in 2015.

The changes to parking charges were approved by City of York Council in February 2025.

A spokesperson for City of York Council said: "This includes a pricing structure which aims to cut congestion in the city centre and improve bus service reliability and other ways to travel around the city.

"We are aware of the concerns of residents and businesses in the area. We are listening and are monitoring the impact of these parking changes."

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