SHOPPERS were given a rare treat on Saturday – free car parking in York.

City of York Council scrapped charges at 13 car parks as a one-day move to help traders, and we applaud the move, especially as this is the quietest time of year for shop owners.

It’s a step in the right direction, but York is prohibitively expensive for non-residents who even have to pay to park in the evening.

Visitors to Harrogate don’t and they can park all day for under £3.

If the council is serious about promoting the city centre, it needs to do more.