More free parking could be introduced in town centres across North Yorkshire under new plans being worked on by council chiefs.
North Yorkshire Council is preparing a new county-wide parking strategy that aims to support local businesses and be fairer for motorists.
Speaking exclusively to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Councillor Keane Duncan, executive member for highways at the council, said:
“Other councils are squeezing every penny of revenue they can from parking.
“Labour-run City of York have hiked tariffs in some car parks by over 70 per cent this year.
“In contrast, we’re working to deliver a fundamentally different approach, investing record amounts in improving our car parks and working on a new strategy that supports traders in this tough climate.
“We, of course, have our own financial woes here at the council, intensified by the Labour Government’s recent cuts to our budget.
“It means we have tough decisions to make, but we want to avoid balancing our books by harming the vitality of our town centres.
“Ultimately, we want car parking to support people to shop local, not be pushed to supermarkets and out-of-town shopping centres where parking is free.”
The strategy seeks to address anomalies which mean free parking is available in some towns but not others.
The legacy of the former borough and district councils means parking rates and restrictions also vary widely across the county.
The Conservative councillor added:
“Right now, our parking system has many flaws, anomalies and inconsistencies.
“This is the reality of eight predecessor councils uniting into one. Each had its own tariffs, permits and ways of working.
“While a degree of local variation is absolutely essential given North Yorkshire’s scale and diversity, there are present differences that stand out as being grossly unfair now we are one council.
“For example, some towns have free parking of up to two hours. Some towns have no charges or restrictions at all. Others do not have any free parking.
“We’re wrestling with this conundrum and actively considering ways we might be able to expand free parking to more towns where it makes sense and where there is local support.”
The councillor, who last year pledged to introduce free parking in every town when he unsuccessfully campaigned to be North Yorkshire’s new mayor, said the authority faced a “colossal task” to make changes.
He added:
“We have 140 car parks and just shy of 30 different towns.
“We won’t get everything right, at least immediately, but I am confident we can find a way forward that is fairer for all parts of North Yorkshire so no area feels disadvantaged.”
Details of the new parking strategy come as the authority increases on and off-street parking tariffs by ten per cent in a move which could bring in almost £2m in extra income.
The authority is also looking to make £2.5m improvements to its car parks, including installing new solar-powered parking machines which will accept card, cash and app payments.
Veteran comedian Jimmy Cricket to perform in Silsden
Skipton charity receives Easter egg donation to brighten children's holidays
North Yorkshire Police to roll out facial recognition technology
Doctors strikes will 'particularly impact Airedale A&E' bosses say
Northern trains expected to 'run normally' this Easter, passengers told
Changes to Craven bus services over Easter
Skipton Tree Top Climbing Centre opens for last ever season
Investigation begins following collision on Skipton High Street
Green Party announces election candidates for Ilkley and Addingham
Plans for second McDonalds in Keighley get go-ahead
Plans for 72 houses on edge of Silsden approved despite objections
Colour run to return to Skipton Academy Playing Field
Skipton MP meets with café owner to discuss community
North Yorkshire set to host Tour of Britain stages
Choir group donates hundreds of Easter eggs to Skipton good causes
The Boat House bar celebrates 10th anniversary
New Fish and Chip shop opens in Skipton
Skipton charity lunchers raise more than £500
Skipton MP shares concerns to Government on 'Tourist Tax'
Skipton children’s charity raises over £5,000 with support from Land Rover Experience
