I WISH to correct a misunderstanding highlighted by Alan Donaldson's letter (Fees force us out, May 11).

City of York Council's short stay car parks allow a maximum stay of three hours between 8am and 9pm.

However, after 9pm drivers are perfectly entitled to remain in the car park overnight. Anyone wanting to visit the city on an evening can park in a short stay car park at 6pm and their car can stay there until 8am the following day, paying only for the first three hours.

The council has also developed a wide range of discounts for regular users of the city's car parks, including a frequent users pass for people visiting the city on an evening. For £84 a year for residents and £120 for non-residents, drivers can park in most of the council's car parks between 6pm and 8.30am.

Russ Broadbent,

Parking services manager,

City of York Council,

St Leonard's Place,

York.

Updated: 10:25 Friday, May 14, 2004