Motorists across North Yorkshire face a revision of parking fees from April 1st, as the council moves to replace the “patchwork” of policies inherited from seven former borough and district councils. The plan aims to ensure the parking service covers its own costs while creating a fair and consistent system across the county’s 170 car parks.
The proposed changes include introducing Sunday and evening charges in car parks where they do not currently exist. Additionally, the cost for second residential permits is set to rise to account for the increasing number of multi-vehicle households.
However, the plan includes significant upgrades and a major win for accessibility. Following discussions with disability groups, Blue Badge parking will become free in all council-run car parks. This move will scrap charges in the three former district areas where disabled motorists are currently required to pay.
£2.4 Million Investment Programme
To modernise the service, North Yorkshire Council has committed £2.4 million to infrastructure improvements:
- £2 million to replace 430 existing pay-and-display machines with state-of-the-art, ticketless technology in 150 car parks.
- £400,000 to replace old lighting with modern, energy-efficient LED lamp heads.
- Signage improvements across the county.
Cllr Malcolm Taylor, executive member for highways and transport, said: “The changes to parking charges are part of our vision for a unified system that is consistent for everyone. We have carefully reviewed the charges to ensure they deliver the best possible value while enabling the service to remain financially self-sustaining.”
To simplify the experience for drivers, the council recently approved a move to a single mobile parking app provider for the entire county, allowing motorists to pay for parking at any council site through one platform.
The proposals will be formally discussed at a meeting on Friday, 27th February, between Cllr Taylor and the council’s corporate director of environment.
