SO the short stay car parking charges for residents have gone up by 41.7 per cent (not the 33 per cent mentioned in your Comment column (March 31).

Coun Ann Reid tells us "this still gives people ample choice." Motorists can pay a higher amount for the convenience because all car parks are within "easy walking distance" of the city centre. Not for everybody.

For those increasing number of older people who do not yet qualify for a "disabled badge", but are now not so able on their feet, a walk to another car park or the park and ride can be a walk too far.

I predict that the shoppers' car parks will not attract as much revenue in the future as they did in the past, even with the increased fees. It would have made more financial sense and increased income if all car parking charges had increased by 7.5 per cent, rather than discriminate against one group.

So residents (who probably were the most frequent users of the centre car parks) are less favourably treated than visitors.

AL Dixon,

Coggan Way,

Bishopthorpe,

York.

Updated: 09:46 Friday, April 08, 2005