HUNDREDS of letters of objection to controversial new parking restrictions for York city centre was being considered today by elected leaders.

Proposals to rake in hundreds of thousands of pounds in extra cash have been met with a chorus of disapproval from motorists who claim they are being unfairly victimised.

City of York Council received 123 objections to plans that would see the number of double yellow lines in the city centre spiral alongside dozens of new pay and display parking areas.

Churchgoers have been particularly vocal with members of St Michael Le Belfrey Church, The Parish Church of York All Saints' and St Deny's Church all lodging protest petitions.

Councillors are expected to consider a number of concessions including providing a discounted parking pass for regular city centre evening visitors and changing parking restrictions on Sundays.

Meanwhile, charges at city car parks went up last night in a move that is expected to raise an extra £319,000 for the cash-strapped council.

Visitors will also be charged until 9pm, rather than the previous 6pm, despite concern from city centre theatre, cinema and night spot bosses.

Motorists in outlying districts will not escape the changes as resident's "Respark" parking permits are expected to double from £42 to £84 next month.

Lib Dem councillors have argued that the money will be used to improve car park services with better surfacing, more wardens and improved security.

Updated: 10:36 Tuesday, March 02, 2004