TRADERS predicted a backlash against York's high car park charges. Early evidence suggests their fears are being realised.

Having hiked fees to boost income, the council made less money from car parks in April and May than it did in the same months last year. That suggests thousands of motorists are staying away, which should worry anyone with an interest in the prosperity of York city centre.

We accept that this is a snapshot, not a definitive survey. Council leader Steve Galloway says more people are using Park & Ride, cycling and walking into the city centre, and any figures to support his belief would make for a helpful comparison.

Nonetheless the fall in income bears out widespread concern at York's emptier car parks.

While insisting that people are still pouring into York, Coun Galloway admits that the "misleading publicity that is given to allegedly high parking charges" could put motorists off.

We refute this charge. It was York residents' justified anger at the rise in prices which powered our campaign. The council accepted the argument and trimmed the worst excesses of its parking tax.

Moreover, we have published letters from people who travelled to York from outside our area of influence expressing shock at the expense of parking here. Motorists are not scared off by headlines, but by the price at the ticket machines.

The council should recognise that many York retailers are already struggling, and reconsider its parking policy before it pushes businesses over the edge.

Updated: 11:17 Tuesday, June 28, 2005