MOTORISTS planning to park at York’s Designer Outlet on Sunday to watch the Tour de France or use the Park & Ride service will face a £10 parking fee.

But the all-day charge can be redeemed if people buy items at the outlet at Fulford, including food. The outlet is hosting a “free spectator hub” for the race, including a large screen showing all the action, a Parisian tavern, entertainment, craft stalls, kids rides and interactive sports demonstrations.

Motorist Ian Snedden, of Fulford, contacted The Press to criticise the charge, which he viewed as an “insult” to York residents who visited the site regularly, and he also suggested half the parking profits should be handed to a local charity.

But centre manager Mike Thomas, said the fee was consistent across both the centre and Racecourse spectator hubs, but shoppers could redeem the parking fee against food and shopping purchases at the centre on the day.

“All hub visitors are being encouraged, in the spirit of the race and where possible, to either cycle, walk or take the bus – people can plan their journey using www.itravelyork.info” he added.

The outlet’s Park & Ride will terminate at Fishergate bus hub, not serving Clifford Street, Rougier Street, York Station or Nunnery Lane until roads reopen at about 1.30pm.