A MILLION passengers used York's Park & Ride scheme last year, keeping an estimated 500,000 cars out of the city centre.

But the service did not break even and fares are set to rise in May this year - so are city car parking charges so the service will remain competitive, say council chiefs.

The City of York Council has paid Rider York, the contractors who operate Park & Ride, £56,648 to make up last year's loss.

It says it is in keeping with its five-year strategy for the service, and profits in later years will repay the money given to Rider York in the early stages.

The popularity of the service is continuing to grow, with last year showing a 22 per cent increase in the number of passengers.

In order for Park & Ride to break even this year, the council plans to put up the cost of a standard return by 10p to £1.30, and the weekly and monthly smart cards to £5 and £18 respectively.

Changes to parking charges in the city centre, are also planned this year.

* From April, it will cost an extra 10p an hour to park in the Castle Car Park, to try and discourage traffic from queueing down Clifford Street and Tower Street.

* However, everywhere else, all short stay parking charges up to one hour will stay the same, to avoid discouraging shoppers.

* Medium stay car parks will go up by between 30 and 50p.

* On-street parking, including Lord Mayor's Walk, Toft Green and Piccadilly will be increased by 10p an hour.

* Season tickets and contract parking will go up with the rate of inflation.

* Overstay charges will stay the same, as will charges for lorries and coaches.

Parking charges for residents will go up from October, with a standard resident's permit up by ten per cent to £37.50. The cost of an Authorisation Card for residents using the cheaper visitors permits will also go up to £2.

Although the £50 top rate of fine for parking in a residents' only bay without a permit will not go up, the discounted rate for paying up within 15 days will go up to £35. The council hopes to make £9,500 from this £5 increase.

A council committee will meet on Monday to discuss the parking proposals and review the Park & Ride scheme's performance.

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