Car parking charges in City of York Council's car parks could be extended into the evening under proposals going to the council's Executive next week (Tuesday, 16 December).

The council operates 17 public car parks in the city centre with a total of 3650 spaces, in addition to the 3020 spaces provided by the Park & Ride sites.

Income from the car parks has fallen this year, due in part to the success of the Park & Ride network, but also because of the opening of a privately operated car park in Dundas Street.

As part of a radical review of the service, councillors will be asked to consider increasing the period that car parking charges apply from 8.30am-6.00pm to 8.00am -9.00pm.

Additional recommendations include converting existing limited waiting restrictions on Micklegate, Walmgate and The Crescent to pay and display to prevent abuse of the limited parking spaces.

Under the new proposals, the cost of city centre parking in the council's car parks would increase by 10p an hour for medium and long stay parking and 20p per hour for short stay facilities. All day parking would cost £9.50.

The additional income from the proposals would be used to offset the lower level of funding from central government for the city's roads.

Martin Revill, head of transport planning, City of York Council, said: "If agreed, the increased charges will still mean that parking in York is cheaper that in comparable cities like Cambridge and Oxford, where all-day parking is £18 and £15, respectively.

"Converting spaces in Micklegate, Walmgate and The Crescent to pay and display should stop people abusing the existing restrictions and make it easier for people to park for short periods, benefiting local businesses."

The additional charging would also be used to increase staff presence in car parks during the evening, providing a more secure environment for customers and their vehicles.