With the barriers at the Marygate car park apparently out of action again, Liberal Democrat Councillor Keith Hyman has tabled two questions for the Council meeting on Thursday.

The £100,000 scheme was controversial from the start with no provision being made for card payments.

Currently the barriers are raised allowing free car parking.

It is unclear what damage this is doing to the Councils income or whether Labour Councillors will be forced to increase charges at other car parks to make up for any deficit.

The two tabled questions read:

• (xxv)    “How does the income derived from the Marygate car park, since it had a barrier system installed, compare to the equivalent period last year?”
• (xxvi) “How many faults have occurred on the new barrier/ticketing installation at Marygate car park and does the Cabinet Member judge the barrier system to have been a success?”

The same cabinet member will be asked to reveal how many drivers have taken advantage of the “free” parking made available, on 3 mornings a week, at some of York’s car parks.

Morning congestion levels have increased recently on routes such as Water End and Fulford Road, with the Councils decision to encourage more rush hour car journeys using the free parking incentive being partly to blame.

It is hoped that the impact on other car parks – and Council income – will be revealed.