Councillors warn of 'Nightmare before Christmas' at Clifton Moor Retail Park

Rawcliffe and Clifton Without's Lib Dem councillors have hit out at the introduction of a sneaky four-hour limit on car parking at Clifton Moor Retail Park. 

The Lib Dem ward councillors have written to the management of the retail park, asking for an explanation as to why the new restrictions were necessary, clarity on the rules and requesting that the owners review the restrictions should it appear residents are being fined unfairly. 

Councillor Darryl Smalley, Lib Dem Councillor for Rawcliffe & Clifton Without said: "We were really disappointed to see these parking restrictions, which affect one of York's key shopping destinations, being put into place just before the busy Christmas and Boxing Day period.

"The first we knew of the parking restrictions was residents getting in touch, concerned at the ambiguity of the new rules. Whilst boards state that there is a four-hour limit on parking, enforced through cameras, it is not clear whether that is four hours in one block, a total of four hours in a twenty-four-hour period, or whether it is permitted to leave and come back later in the day.

"We have seen at Tower Court Car Park nearby, where parking charge notices are handed out like confetti to vulnerable residents committing such crimes as needing to use the pharmacy more than once in a day that these systems can have many unpredictable and deeply unfair consequences."

Councillor Derek Wann added: "We're calling on the owners of Clifton Moor Car Park to reconsider the introduction of this scheme, which seems to be a solution to a problem that simply doesn't exist. Clifton Moor Car Park is never full so it is hard to see this as anything other than a sneaky money-making exercise - and one that will particularly affect those that might need longer to shop, such as the vulnerable and elderly. 

"The introduction of this scheme, a few weeks before Christmas, and with little clear signage is deeply worrying. During the cost-of-living crisis, with many families struggling this year, residents being hit by an unfair parking fine really would be a nightmare before Christmas."