I RUN two businesses in York employing a number of staff. The national economic situation has reduced retail trade and the high car park charges have exacerbated it.

How do I know? Because customers tell me they are reducing the frequency of visits because of the cost of parking, and some have stopped coming into York. I also have many sales representatives visiting my shop and almost without exception they comment on the cost of parking, the emptiness of the car parks and a number have said how they will not visit York again because of the charges and the fines.

Walk around York, day or night, and you will see how much the footfalls have declined.

If car parks need to contribute to the city coffers it needs to price parking at a level that will increase usage and, therefore, increase revenue. If they could not be filled at £1.50 an hour you will not fill them at £2 an hour. York needs a progressive approach to attract locals and visitors alike to enjoy this beautiful city which is in danger of becoming a ghost town even though we have so much to offer visitors.

Ian C Taylor,

Micawber House,

Stockton Lane, York.

Updated: 09:50 Saturday, June 04, 2005