Parking charges across North Yorkshire, including in Harrogate, could change from April if new proposals are approved.
North Yorkshire Council is reviewing fees across its 170 council-run car parks as part of plans to create a more consistent system.
Charges are currently based on arrangements inherited from seven former district and borough councils before local government reorganisation.
Under the proposals, revised tariffs would come into effect from 1st April.
The council says the aim is to ensure the parking service covers its costs while maintaining fairness and consistency across the county.
As part of wider improvements, the authority has committed £2.4 million to upgrade car parks.
This includes £2 million to replace around 430 pay and display machines, with new ticketless machines planned for 150 sites, alongside updated signage.
A further £400,000 has been allocated to improve lighting, replacing older lamps with energy-efficient LED fittings.
Following discussions with disability groups, the council has also confirmed that Blue Badge holders would be able to park free of charge in all council-operated car parks.
In areas where charges currently apply to Blue Badge users, these would be removed.
Other proposals include introducing Sunday and evening charges in car parks where they do not currently apply, and adding an extra cost for second permits in residential parking zones, reflecting the rise in households with more than one vehicle.
Councillor Malcolm Taylor, North Yorkshire Council’s 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.
“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.
“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 are due to be discussed at a meeting on 27th February between Councillor Taylor and the council’s corporate director of environment, Karl Battersby.
In addition, the council has already approved plans to introduce a single mobile parking app across the county.
Currently, several different apps operate under legacy agreements from former councils.
The move to one provider is intended to simplify payments, allowing motorists in towns such as Skipton and Harrogate to use the same app in any council car park across North Yorkshire.
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