Overnight parking proposed for park and ride sites

Plans to introduce overnight parking at park and ride sites in York are among a number of proposed changes being put out for consultation.

City of York Council wants to hear people's thoughts on the plans, which also include increasing accessibility and refurbishing toilet facilities.

The council has earmarked £4m of funding from a £17m government grant to improve park and ride services, which were used 4.5m times last year.

Kate Ravilious, executive member for transport, said the proposed changes would "increase transport options for everyone".

Five of York's six sites are included in the project; Poppleton Bar, Grimston Bar, Askham Bar, Rawcliffe Bar and Monks Cross. The Designer Outlet is not owned by the council, so would not be affected by the planned upgrades, it said.

Overnight car parking would be introduced at Rawcliffe Bar and Askham Bar, with better located dedicated spaces for oversized vehicles at the two sites as well as Grimston Bar.

Ravilious said: "By introducing overnight parking at two sites we will offer a convenient alternative to driving and parking in the city centre, helping to reduce traffic congestion, improve bus reliability and free up the roads for those who need to drive."

There would also be overall improvements to waiting facilities, toilets including changing places, cycle parking and lockers.

"I'd encourage everyone, whether you live in York or further afield, and whether you use the Park and Ride or not, to feedback on our proposals and help us maximise the benefits of the Park and Ride site upgrades," Ravilious added.

The proposed changes come after rises in the price of parking in the city, including at Bishopthorpe Road's car park where charges have increased from 80p an hour to £4.85.

The consultation is open until 9 June.

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