Damian Marsden, managing director of Appealing Properties, told The Press the letting agents will move from its Clifford Street office after six years to a new premises in Middlethorpe, on the outskirts of York.
He said the business, previously located in High Petergate and Blake Street, relies on vehicles for its day-to-day operations.
But Mr Marsden said parking in nearby Lower Friargate has become unfordable after a recent price hike. The organisation is also unable to obtain parking permits, he said.
An hour’s parking in the street now costs £4.85 on Sundays to Thursdays and £5.30 on Fridays and Saturdays – up from £1.55.
Mr Marsden, who started the business 17 years ago, said “the majority” of his clients travel to the Clifford Street office by van or car as they are moving into a property.
But he said the increased parking costs mean they are “rushing” when in the office and going through paperwork. “They’re running in saying, ‘I’ve got to leg it. The parking is costing a fortune.’"
Mr Marsden said tradespeople drive to the office so they can pick up keys to carry out maintenance work at properties.
“Electricians, cleaners and plumbers can’t get around the city by bike,” he said.
Mr Marsden added that his staff use electric cars to take clients on property viewings.
“We want to provide a good service to our clients,” he said, adding: “When you need to get people out for viewings, you can’t put them on the back of a push bike.”
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