The scheme was introduced last year but was criticised for being complicated, applying to only some car parks and only for a limited number of days & hours.
Another Alexander project abandoned
Traders have confirmed that the offer – which cost £300,000 to subsidise – has had little effect on the number of customers that they have been getting.
A plan to pay for the scheme, using funds from a Business Improvement District organisation, appears to have fallen through
The scheme was the controversial brainchild of the former Council Leader James Alexander who was struggling to cope with traders anger in the wake of the Lendal bridge closure fiasco as well as fears that the new John Lewis store at Monks Cross would pull shoppers away from the City centre.
It will be a “double whammy” for visitors to the City centre from 1st April as a proposal by Green Councillors, to raise hourly parking charges by 10p, will also kick in.
Parking changes from 1 April will also effect on street parking and season permits across the city,
• The standard rate of car park and on-street charges: will increase by 10p per hour to vehicles not displaying a Minster Badge (an optional resident parking permit).
• Residents who are signed up to the Minster Badge scheme: will benefit from an additional FREE hour in car parks on Friday and Saturday evening (which moves from 5pm instead of 6pm). Valid in selected car parks only.
• Pay-by-phone option (in selected car parks) remains 10p cheaper per hour than the standard rate.
• Season parking tickets: An increase of approximately four per cent.
From the end of March the council will also be installing new tariff boards in all council car parks to display the new charges.
For more details about parking in York visit www.york.gov.uk/parking
Travelling in York? Plan journeys in advance by using the online Journey Planner at www.itravelyork.info