I HAVE lived in York for 23 years and think it is a beautiful city to in which to live and work. My wife and I regularly go into town to shop or to walk around because we love it so much.

But now we may go elsewhere because of the parking charges. Despite last year's fuss about increased fees we have continued to shop in the city centre and paid the increased charges - until now.

One Sunday afternoon we drove into Coppergate car park and were incensed to see that the residents' charge for three hours parking had increased from £3.60 to £5.10. How can this possibly be justified? Inflation is running at less than 3.5 per cent but this increase is more than 40 per cent.

We stayed with friends in Manchester and the charge at the MEN Arena cost only £5 for 24 hours. If we carry on like this York city centre will only be for tourists and residents such as us will be shopping in Leeds or Meadowhall with the subsequent effect on local traders. It's time City of York Council thought about the residents as much as tourists.

Bryan Cloves,

Alness Drive,

York.

Updated: 10:24 Thursday, May 12, 2005