North Yorkshire Council chiefs have been accused of overseeing "a bit of a shambles" after a U-turn over planned parking charges increases was confirmed yesterday (Wednesday).
The authority has paused plans announced last week to ‘rebalance’ parking fees in council-owned car parks in a bid to ensure consistency in different areas of the county.
Plans to introduce evening and Sunday charges in areas where parking is currently free at these times will also be halted, although a ten per cent increase in all fees will still be introduced from April 1.
The decision comes after members of the controlling Conservative and Independents group objected to big rises in parking fees in their divisions..
Opposition councillors had also criticised the policy.
Ripon councillor, Andrew Williams, who is an independent councillor but a member of the controlling group, raised concerns about the impact of the changes in his area.
Cllr Williams said a report on rebalancing had been prepared by officers without involvement from senior councillors, adding:
“When I became aware of the report at the weekend, I contacted the leader to obviously express my considerable angst and concern about the impact that the proposals would have not just on Ripon, but on parking in towns across North Yorkshire.
“I’m delighted that common sense is prevailing and that all of this is off the table.”
The change in direction was confirmed by the council’s corporate director of environment, Karl Battersby.
He said:
“Following the announcement of proposed changes to rebalance parking charges across the county’s car parks, we have listened carefully to the issues and concerns raised by local elected members, particularly regarding the potential impact on communities in different parts of North Yorkshire.
“While we remain committed to developing a fair and consistent approach to parking following the launch of North Yorkshire Council, the feedback we have received clearly shows that further discussion is needed.
“As a result, the proposed re‑balancing of parking charges will be paused, as well as plans to introduce evening and weekend charges.
“We will now work closely with councillors and stakeholders to better understand local circumstances and ensure that any future proposals are developed as part of reviews of specific areas.”
The changes, including the rebalancing, would have generated £3.5m in extra income for the council, which had already been included in its budget for 2026/27.
Council chiefs say the rethink on rebalancing and evening and Sunday charges will reduce that amount by £1.7m.
Mr Battersby said further work would be carried out to develop updated recommendations, which would then be included in the council’s financial plan.
Councillor Peter Lacey, Liberal Democrat and Liberal Group leader on the council, said Conservatives on North Yorkshire Council had found themselves in “financial disarray” over the issue.
He added:
“We were promised town car parking plans and a process of engagement. This proposed move undermines any local trust in the Tory administration. This isn’t just about car parking, it’s about competence.
“Many questions remain unanswered. These changes require consultation and should not therefore have been included in the now withdrawn paper.
“How will the budget gap be filled? How can meaningful conversations with area committees and local businesses about local car parking arrangements be undertaken now that the Conservative and Independents group has revealed its hand?”
Labour group leader Steve Shaw-Wright described the U-turn as “a bit a shambles”, adding:
“I do think we need to look at car parking charges, but we seem to do things either incredibly slowly and take forever and not actually do anything.
“Or we do things that quickly that we ignore the obvious pitfalls of introducing things that are not really warranted.”
Liberal Democrat leaders claimed the U-turn “heaped further pressure” on leader, Councillor Carl Les and his deputy Councillor Gareth Dadd, and suggested Conservative councillor Keane Duncan was manoeuvring to replace Cllr Les.
Cllr Duncan, who was the previous portfolio holder for executive member for highways and transportation until being removed from the position by Cllr Les, declined to comment on the claim.
But he added:
“I have long advocated for an expansion of free parking across North Yorkshire as an essential investment in our town centres.
“I will continue to campaign for a fair and consistent parking policy that supports our traders and encourages people to shop locally.”
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