York City success prompts calls on problem parking

Permits could be brought in to solve parking problems near York City FC's home ground, amid calls to tackle the issue ahead of the next football season.

City of York councillors have raised growing concerns about parking in residential streets during York City and York Knights games at the LNER Community Stadium.

Huntington and New Earswick's Liberal Democrat councillor Keith Orrell said concerns included parked cars blocking emergency services vehicles, and called on the council to begin consulting residents on possible solutions.

Transport spokesperson and Labour councillor Kate Ravilious said the authority was considering introducing residential parking (ResPark) permits.

It comes after the Minstermen secured a return to the English Football League last month.

The promotion is expected to increase matchday attendance at the 8,500-capacity stadium, with York Outer Labour MP Luke Charters saying it was too small for the team's ambitions.

It also follows York Knights' promotion to the rugby league Super League this year.

Pictures from Liberal Democrat ward councillors showed several cars parked in Ferguson Way, Huntington and other streets.

They said they had since begun surveying residents about parking issues to gather views about potential solutions, including matchday-only restrictions and improved public transport links.

Liberal Democrat councillor Carol Runciman said the situation had changed completely since the stadium opened in 2021, with thousands more fans attending games.

She said: "The original intention was for dedicated bus services from across the city so supporters would not need to drive.

"The council and stadium operators must now revisit those plans urgently."

Ravilious said residents in the area had been consulted on a ResPark scheme in 2022 but rejected it, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

She said the permits would cost £115 per year for the first car, and would need to be implemented neighbourhood-wide.

Ravilious said: "We understand and sympathise with the frustration of local residents experiencing parking issues on their streets.

"A ResPark scheme is the best tool for addressing parking problems and providing residents with appropriate parking protections."

She said communities across York had requested ResPark schemes, and the council was working as fast as possible "through a long waiting list".

"We recognise that the success of both York City FC and York Knights has added to parking pressures in the area and we're now working with the stadium management team to revisit a ResPark scheme for the area," she said.

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