HUNDREDS of readers have flocked to sign the Evening Press petition calling for an end to York's "highway robbery".

Dozens of coupons are now arriving in the post each day at the paper's Walmgate HQ, with other readers emailing their support for the campaign.

Some supporters are also signing petitions displayed on the counters of shops and other businesses throughout the city centre.

Frederick and Barbara Weatherley, of Bishopthorpe, said they belonged to several societies and charities which met in the evening. "We cannot support them all with the new parking charges," they said. "We would be loath to give any of them up but may have to because of the charges."

James Wright, of Dunnington, said: "Thank you for organising this petition - our evenings in York have been ruined!"

Several readers from Thorpe Willoughby said: "We no longer come to shows on stage in York."

Louise Lindgren, of Cawood, said she often used to meet a friend straight from work and eat out in York city centre.

"Last time, three of us met and it cost us £3.50 each to park - a total of £10.50 before we started. We now choose venues out of the town centre where we can use their free car parks."

Sarah Lansell, of Clifton Moor, said that as a non-drinker and a young single girl, the late bus was not an option on an evening out.

"I like to drive to feel safe and don't like to wait around in taxi queues in the middle of the night alone. The other week, I went for a meal in town and had to pay £3 to park for two hours. Had I not been with friends, I could not have parked there and gone back to my car alone....I just don't think it's sensible for women to walk in dark car parks late at night."

Georgina Jackman, of Fulford, said she was particularly concerned about evening charges. "Whilst it could be argued that during the day there is reasonable public transport available, particularly the Park & Ride service - most of this ceases or is dramatically reduced after 6pm - particularly from more outlying areas," she said.

"This leaves people with little alternative other than to use cars to come into York. Now however, the additional price of parking, on top of say tickets for concerts, cinema and/or the cost of a meal etc may well lead them to go elsewhere.

lIf you support our campaign but haven't yet signed the petition, please do so - now! And then send it straight back. We need to let City of York Council know the strength of feeling on this issue.

Updated: 14:38 Wednesday, July 14, 2004