Parking charges to rise during Christmas Market

Motorists will have to pay more to park during the Christmas Market

The cost of parking in York during the city's Christmas Market is set to rise, the council has confirmed.

From 13 November to 22 December charges between Sunday and Thursday will be the same as on Fridays and Saturdays, rising from £4.85 an hour to £5.30.

The increased charges will be brought in at council-run car parks and at some on street locations.

The authority said the decision was in line with a budget decision made in February following public consultation.

The council said residents had supported a rise in parking costs for major events, to help balance the budget and prevent further service cuts.

Parking signs in the city clearly state a price for Sunday to Thursday and a price for "Friday, Saturday & Events".

Kate Ravilious, executive member for transport said: "All income generated from parking goes back into transport in the city."

She said the authority was spending "more than ever" on highways maintenance and investing in sustainable travel alternatives.

Ravilious said additional Park & Ride services would run throughout the market period and discounted rates for residents with a Minster Badge would still apply.

"Catching the bus, travelling by train, cycling and walking all help to keep the city moving at what is one of the busiest times of year," she said.

York's Christmas Market runs until 22 December

The higher rate will apply at car parks at Bootham Row, Castle, Coppergate, Esplanade, Foss Bank, Marygate, Monk Bar, Nunnery Lane, St George's Field and Union Terrace.

Fees will not rise at Bishopthorpe Road, East Parade and Rowntree Park car parks.

The changes also impact on street parking locations on 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.

Evening parking prices on Fossgate, St Deny's Road Stonebow, Lawrence St, Micklegate and Priory Street will also increase.

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