York Council Rules Out Congestion Charge Amid Parking Charge Backlash

Newcastle City Council is considering introducing late-night parking charges beyond the current 7pm cut-off in the city centre, with trials planned at two multi-storey car parks that currently close at midnight. The council is open to the idea but notes that any new fees would depend on demand and the ability to enforce them effectively. Meanwhile, York City Council has ruled out implementing a congestion charge to reduce city centre traffic but remains committed to other measures within its Local Transport Strategy aimed at cutting car use by 20% by 2030. These measures include creating a Sustainable Transport Corridor prioritizing buses from York Station to Tower Street and raising parking charges to discourage car use, though recent hikes faced backlash from residents, traders, and opposition councillors. York's council acknowledges the need for better communication and balancing incentives with penalties to gain public support for future traffic reduction initiatives. Adjustments have already been made in parking rates outside the inner ring road and some on-street parking areas following the criticism.