YORK'S growing evening economy could be left in the gloom by new evening parking charges, tourism and business leaders are warning.

Kay Hyde, of York Tourism Bureau, said tourism chiefs understood the reasons for the debate over parking prices.

But she said the bureau was concerned increases could dampen down a new push to encourage a livelier night out in York, called Good Evening York.

Ms Hyde said: "The introduction of parking charges in the evenings could potentially have a negative impact on this campaign and on York's evening economy as a whole. We'd like to see more shops opening later, more attractions opening later, more restaurants offering early bird menus and so on. Whilst we very much agree with encouraging the use of public transport and our excellent park-and-ride services, free car parking acts as an incentive for visitors to enjoy the city in the evenings.

"We're hopeful that alternative solutions can be found."

Len Cruddas, chief executive of York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said above-inflation price increases could not be justified.

"We accept and understand the council's need to generate revenue, but the evening charges will damage collective attempts to promote the evening economy, and will damage businesses in the city centre."

Professional services such as solicitors and accountants would be hit by any increase in on-street parking prices, Mr Cruddas added.

But Adam Sinclair, chairman of York Chamber of Trade, said that while no one wanted prices to go up the chamber could accept them.

"They are reasonable and balanced," he said.

Ann Reid, City of York Council's executive member for planning and transport, said the tourism bureau and chamber of commerce should have raised their concerns while the changes to the traffic regulation orders were being advertised.

The orders need to be changed for the new charges to come in.

But she said concerns could be registered before the second set of order changes were due to be made, on March 3.

These would see charges introduced in Micklegate and double yellow lines painted on some parts of the city centre.

Coun Reid added: "Double yellow lines allow people with blue badges to park.

"That set of changes will make it easier for disabled people to park in the evening."

Updated: 11:20 Tuesday, February 17, 2004