Fresh blow to plans to charge for parking at some free sites

Craven Council’s bid to begin charging at some car parks in Cross Hills, Gargrave and Bentham has been met with widespread opposition.

In the latest blow to the district council’s proposals, the highway authority, North Yorkshire 
County Council (NYCC), has objected.

In a report to be considered by members of Craven Council’s Select Committee on Wednesday, NYCC says in respect of North Street and West Street car parks in Gargrave: “We recognise that the proposals will introduce extra pressure on on-street parking.

“We consider that the existing waiting restrictions are sufficient to mitigate this problem to manageable levels with respect to charging in the North St car park or the West St car park, but not both. We would therefore object to charging being imposed in both these car parks.”

The county council has also objected to the introduction of pay and display charges at Cleveland Square and Grasmere Drive car parks in Bentham and at Hall Street and Milligans Field car parks in Crosshills.

Hazel Smith, Craven Council’s asset and project manager, said: “The council will consider the response made by NYCC Highways as part of the Select Committee review process.”

The district council can now seek views on the proposals and explore other options such as parking permits or transferring the car parks to parish councils.