Overnight Parking Approved at York’s Park and Ride Sites as £4.25m Upgrade Plan Moves Ahead

York City Council has officially approved ambitious plans to introduce overnight parking at two of its most popular Park and Ride sites — Askham Bar and Rawcliffe Bar. The move, part of a wider £4.25 million transport improvement scheme, aims to modernise York’s Park and Ride network, enhance passenger experience, and reduce congestion in the historic city centre.

New Overnight Parking for York Visitors and Commuters

The introduction of overnight parking represents a significant shift in how the Park and Ride network will operate. The approved scheme will allow drivers to leave their vehicles overnight in designated, secure areas at both Askham Bar and Rawcliffe Bar.

Visitors arriving in York on a Friday evening will now have the option to park their cars safely, access 24-hour facilities, and make use of the regular bus connections into the city centre. Vehicles can then be collected at any time before departure — a convenient option for weekend tourists, business travellers, or those attending city centre events.

This upgrade is designed to provide greater flexibility for residents and visitors alike, making York’s transport system more inclusive, sustainable, and adaptable to modern needs.

A Multi-Use Transport Hub Vision

According to York City Council’s report, the project aims to transform existing Park and Ride sites — Askham Bar, Grimston Bar, Monks Cross, Rawcliffe Bar, and Poppleton Bar — into multi-use transport hubs. Rather than being limited to bus travel, these sites will become dynamic spaces offering a wider range of transport options and passenger facilities.

Each upgraded hub will feature:

• Electric vehicle (EV) charging points to support the city’s green transport ambitions.

• Cycle storage and repair stands to encourage active travel.

• Parcel lockers and e-scooter parking areas for increased convenience.

• Upgraded accessible bays, paving, and improved security systems.

• New defibrillators and real-time bus information displays for enhanced passenger safety and awareness.

These features are designed to reflect York’s commitment to sustainability while improving access for those who prefer environmentally friendly transport options.

Site-Specific Improvements Across York

The Askham Bar Park and Ride, which was the city’s first when it opened 35 years ago, will undergo major upgrades. These include:

• A new stop for long-distance coaches.

• A relocated oversized vehicle parking area.

• Modernised passenger facilities to accommodate a growing number of users.

Meanwhile, Rawcliffe Bar will benefit from:

• A new oversized vehicle parking section.

• Refurbishment of the main building and waiting areas.

• A new canopy for cycle spaces and enhanced security systems.

• Sheltered passenger areas for better comfort during bad weather.

At Grimston Bar, plans include replacing the toilet block and ticket office with a new, accessible building featuring Changing Places facilities. Layout improvements, new paving, and landscaping upgrades will further improve the overall visitor experience.

Monks Cross will see similar investment, with upgrades to its toilets and waiting area, additional cycle space canopies, and increased building security.

Collectively, these improvements demonstrate the council’s goal to make York’s Park and Ride system a cornerstone of sustainable urban transport in the North of England.

A £4.25 Million Boost for York’s Transport Future

The total project, valued at £4.25 million, is funded through the Bus Service Improvement Programme (BSIP), supported by £4 million from the Department for Transport (DfT) and an additional £250,000 from the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.

The investment will not only enhance infrastructure but also extend First Bus’s contract to operate the Park and Ride sites for an additional two years — ensuring continuity and quality of service.

Kate Ravilious, York Council’s Executive Member for Transport, said the upgrades will “make the sites work harder for users” and create a more efficient, sustainable transport network.

“It’s 35 years this year since the first Park and Ride opened in York at Askham Bar,” Ravilious noted. “We now have the largest Park and Ride network in the country, with almost 5,000 spaces across six sites. It’s a fantastic asset, but it could do even more. This investment will help it work harder for the city and improve passenger experience.”

Reducing Congestion and Supporting Green Transport

York, known for its historic streets and limited city-centre parking, faces ongoing challenges with congestion and pollution. The new overnight parking initiative is expected to play a key role in reducing car journeys into the city centre, encouraging visitors to leave vehicles at the edge of town and travel in by bus or other sustainable means.

By combining overnight parking with EV charging, cycle facilities, and public transport connections, the council hopes to provide a seamless travel experience for residents, commuters, and tourists.

A Step Forward for a Smarter York

The upgraded Park and Ride network is more than just a parking project — it’s a strategic investment in York’s future mobility. By creating smarter, greener transport hubs, the city continues to lead by example in balancing heritage with modern infrastructure.

With overnight parking approved and construction plans moving forward, York is setting a new standard for urban transport efficiency and sustainability — and reaffirming its reputation as a forward-thinking city ready for the future of travel.