Parking in streets in York is causing chaos and misery for residents and it cannot continue, activists calling for action have said.
Green Party activist Ben Ffrench said residential parking (ResPark) permits were needed to tackle the problem in the Lawrence Street area, between the Walmgate Bar junction and Hull Road.
Labour Guildhall councillor Tony Clarke said permits would soon be consulted on and he had asked for a broad area to be considered so the problem is not just moved.
A City of York Council spokesperson said residents who wanted ResPark permits were encouraged to canvas their local area for support so proposals can be taken forward.
The cost of ResPark permits starts at a standard rate of £115-a-year for a household’s first vehicle.
Mr Ffrench said 58 residents from more than 10 streets in the area had backed his party’s petition calling for a consultation on a ResPark scheme.
He added support had come from streets including Granville Terrace and Landsdowne Terrace, Catherine Court and Milton Street.
Mr Ffrench said: “The absolute misery of parking in the Lawrence Street area has gone on too long and everyone knows it.
“Blocked streets and parking chaos cannot continue, no one can get a spot when they need it- we need a permit parking consultation urgently.
“Local residents have said it’s time for change, this is by far the most significant call for action yet.
“The question is whether the council will listen.”
Guildhall ward’s Cllr Clarke said a petition he submitted on behalf of Milton Street residents calling for parking permits was nearing the top of the council’s waiting list.
He added he and Fishergate’s Cllr Conrad Fisher had asked for Granville Terrace, Farrar Street and others to be considered so the problem is properly addressed.
Ruling Labour’s Cllr Clarke said: “The consultation process to get residents’ views isn’t too far away.
“This administration has been able to process requests more quickly having changed the much slower system for ResPark requests that existed under the previous Green Party executive member for transport which built up a backlog.”
The council’s spokesperson said areas consulted on ResPark requests were often wider than the streets where they had initially been made because of potential displacement.
The spokesperson said: “Residents’ Priority Parking (ResPark) schemes are resident or ward councillor-led requests.
“If taken forward, when an area reaches the top of the waiting list, the council would develop a proposed boundary and consult properties within that area.
“The consultation would seek views on whether residents support the proposed scheme, as well as permit costs and preferred hours of operation.”