Liberal Democrats call for parking charges to be repaid

York’s Liberal Democrat councillors are calling on Labour’s Council bosses to refund all parking charges collected from residents during the three days when the newly increased parking charges were being enforced on Micklegate.

Following a sharp increase in parking charges across York, local businesses, churches, and residents expressed their outrage. However, it wasn’t until three days later that Labour temporarily suspended enforcement on Micklegate after a backlash from the community. During these three days, parking charges were still in effect, leading to local residents being out of pocket. 

Liberal Democrat councillors are demanding that Labour not only apologise for their shambolic handling of the situation but also take immediate action to refund all parking charges collected on Micklegate during the three-day period of inflated fees.

Cllr Stephen Fenton, Lib Dem Spokesperson for Transport, said:

“Labour’s mishandling of this parking charge issue has caused real confusion and frustration for local residents and businesses. For three days, people were charged unfairly while the council delayed action. They should not be left out of pocket for a problem that was entirely caused by Labour’s failure to communicate and plan effectively. The temporary suspension of enforcement came too late for those who had already paid these excessive charges, and Labour now needs to do the right thing and refund every penny collected during that period. 

“This shambolic situation could and should have been avoided. The Labour administration should have properly engaged with local businesses and churches, who were completely unaware. It would also have been far more sensible to review parking charges as part of a wider review of parking provision in and around the city centre, which we have been told will be completed this year.

“This whole episode brings back memories of botched closure of Lendal Bridge by the previous Labour administration in 2014, which resulted in motorists who had received fines having to be reimbursed.”

Cllr Fenton has also queried by parking charges have been removed in some streets used by shoppers, but not in others. For example, free parking is now available at the Bishopthorpe Road car park as well as on Micklegate, whilst the new £4.85 per hour charge remains in place on Walmgate and a £4 per hour charge is in force at the East Parade car park in Heworth (even though the council website incorrectly lists the charge as £3).

Cllr Fenton commented “It’s unclear why the Labour administration has decided to introduce free parking for some shopping areas but not for others. Businesses in Heworth and on Walmgate must be wondering why they are being discriminated against. The Labour council really needs to get a grip of the situation before their reputation is further damaged.”