LET me quote my experience to prove the idiocy of Roger Green and PR Willey (Letters, April 30).

Prior to April 2004 I used to travel into York three times a week, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Since street parking charges were imposed I have parked in York city centre six times, three of those at Christmas.

I used to park in Micklegate or Priory Street and usually one hour's free parking gave me all the time I needed to complete my shopping.

Due to on-street charges I now do the bulk of my shopping elsewhere as City of York Council quite clearly does not want my business.

I meet up with former work colleagues on Thursday afternoons, in winter for snooker in South Bank, in summer for bowls in Rowntree Park.

This year I am banned from South Bank for Ascot and parking charges at the park will price me out of playing bowls.

Well done City of York Council. In pleasing Mr Green and Mr Willey you have cancelled my trading in York.

I can park in the Wakefield Metropolitan area for two hours at a cost of 65p and if I shop at certain establishments I can even have that meagre sum refunded.

Where would you shop?

K Barnes,

North View,

Catterton,

Tadcaster.

Updated: 11:11 Wednesday, May 11, 2005