'Money grab' claims prompt defence of higher parking charges on York Christmas Market rest days
Higher parking charges during York’s Christmas Market, including on days it is closed, have been defended amid claims of a money grab.
Premium rates of £5.50-an-hour for the first two hours in York Council-managed spaces and car parks are set to be charged during the event which starts on Thursday (Nov 12).
Opposition Liberal Democrat transport spokesperson Coun Stephen Fenton said keeping higher charges in place all week went against efforts to make the city centre more accessible on Tuesday rest days.
The council’s Labour transport executive member Coun Kate Ravilious said higher charges aimed to encourage people to use public transport instead of cars during a peak period for visitors to York.
It comes as premium parking rates, which are also charged on Fridays and Saturdays, are set to be in place until the market finishes on December 21.
Stays of five hours in council-run car parks and in on-street spaces will cost £21.10 while the market is on as a result.
Premium parking rates were introduced in 2025 to encourage people to use alternatives to cars as part of efforts to cut private vehicle use by a fifth by 2030.
Tuesday market closures are being trialled to help manage the effects of a ban on city centre traffic including on Blue Badge holders and ease the event’s impact on residents.
Coun Fenton said keeping higher parking charges in force on Tuesdays risked undermining the purpose of rest days.
The opposition councillor said: “Labour’s approach to the Christmas Market is becoming a money grab, and it’s one that risks backfiring.
“If we’re serious about making Tuesdays a day when people can come into York, access services, visit shops, meet friends and enjoy the city centre, we shouldn’t be putting another financial barrier in their way.
“These higher charges will put people off visiting altogether, that means fewer customers for our shops, cafés and businesses, less money coming into the city centre and less money generated from parking charges.”
Coun Ravilious said an adult and three children could get in and out of York for £4 using a Park and Ride bus, or £8 for two adults.
She said: “Blue Badge holders can also park in the city for free, so these Liberal Democrat claims are complete rubbish.
“The way they talk, you’d think buses didn’t exist, this exposes the contradictions of a party that complains about bus services being under threat while at the same time making public statements that assume people should avoid using them.
“Our parking pricing model links to levels of traffic congestion at different times to encourage more people to travel by bus at peak times, due to York’s popularity, the whole of the Christmas period is a peak period for traffic.”