A DISCOUNT evening parking permit for York has been dismissed as "a gimmick" by the city's shadow transport boss.

Labour councillor Tracey Simpson-Laing claimed the £25 per quarter evening permit was an admission by the Liberal Democrats that their parking plans were "ill-thought out and counter-productive".

Coun Simpson-Laing said: "We think the plan for these passes does not get to the heart of the problem - £25 per quarter is a lot of money to some people, especially those that are giving their time freely to provide services in the voluntary sector.

They also appear to

be ignoring the concerns about on-street parking charges and the effect on

local business."

The evening permit plan was unveiled at Tuesday's city council executive meeting.

Concerns had been raised at the plan to extend charging hours in city centre car parks until 9pm.

Permit holders will be able to park in the city centre between 6pm and 8.30am.

Planning and transport chief Ann Reid said it had taken some time for people to realise the implications of the evening charges.

She said since a number of objections had been registered since the charges were given the green light, which the council had listened to.

The new permits would help members of voluntary groups cover the cost of the new charges, said Coun Reid.

Updated: 09:23 Saturday, February 21, 2004