The amount motorists pay for parking across North Yorkshire’s 170 car parks is set to be revised come April, if plans are approved.
We aim to ensure that the parking service covers its costs, and there is fairness and consistency. Charges were previously overseen by seven former borough and district councils.
New car parking tariffs would be effective from 1 April, which would help to support the service and protect our key frontline services.
We have committed £2.4 million into improving our car parks. Of this, £2 million will be used to replace the existing 430 pay and display machines, including new state of the art and ticketless ones in 150 of its car parks. It will also be used to improve signage.
A total of £400,000 has been set aside to upgrade lighting in some car parks, replacing old and inefficient lamps with modern and efficient LED lamp heads.
Taking all factors into consideration, and after liaison with local disability groups, we have decided that blue badge parking will be free in all council-run car parks. This means charges in the three former district areas that currently have them will be removed.
The proposals for new parking tariffs include introducing a charge on Sundays and evenings to car parks that do not already do so.
An additional cost is planned for second permits in existing residential zones to account for the increasing number of houses with multiple vehicles.
Executive member for highways and transport, Cllr Malcolm Taylor, said: “The changes to parking charges are part of our vision for a unified system that is consistent for everyone.
“After positive discussions with disability groups, we are pleased to be able to offer free parking for blue badge holders, meaning some areas will see them removed altogether.
“We have carefully reviewed the charges to ensure they deliver the best possible value while enabling the service to remain financially self-sustaining.
“In many cases, our rates are more affordable than privately managed car parks and are competitive with those set by neighbouring authorities.
“We strive to improve our parking services to provide a better customer experience. We are investing in replacing parking machines which will be more environmentally friendly to save money and be more reliable.”
The plans will be discussed at a meeting on Friday, 27 February, between Cllr Taylor and our corporate director of environment, Karl Battersby.
Last month, plans to procure a single mobile parking app provider was approved, to deliver countywide coverage and make the current system simpler for motorists.
There are currently several app providers across the county under arrangements from former district and borough councils. By introducing a single solution, motorists will be able to pay for their parking at any council car park in just a few clicks on their smartphone.
In addition, executive members agreed to adopt a set of parking principles to ensure a consistent, fair, and forward-looking approach to parking.
The aim is to replace a patchwork of inherited policies from the county’s former district and borough councils.
The principles would be implemented in stages, with a review of tariffs being the first. This will be followed by developing localised town parking strategies over the next year, recognising that one size doesn’t fit all.