Ann Reid states that York's last Labour-led council increased car park charges by a "massive 20 per cent" (Letters, February 7).

This, she says, has led to a loss of revenue. Why complain about that then do exactly the same thing?

The council has been closing car parking spaces for some time now to "discourage car use in the city".

Surely someone in authority could have worked out that income would therefore drop, and the effect of that would need to be budgeted for the following year.

If the income has dropped because of increased car park charges this tells you that "consumer resistance" has been encountered.

If a shopkeeper or business were to find themselves in this position they would question whether their prices were pitched correctly within their markets. If the objective is to fill car parks and get the maximum return on investment, perhaps lowering the price would achieve better results.

I am very worried that the evening car park charges will de-populate the city after 6pm because the extra cost for a night out will make people go elsewhere.

Stuart Wilson,

Vesper Drive,

Acomb, York.

...I HAVE spent the last few weeks corresponding with councillors Ann Reid and Steve Galloway on the subject of ResPark but to no avail. I want them to answer these questions:

1. On what data do they rely to assert there is a congestion problem in the ResPark areas?

2. If we are to introduce a 'short car' concession will it cost more for 'large cars' at the Park and Ride?

3. What is innovative about doubling the fees?

4. What type of cars do councillors drive - do they practice what they preach?

Andrew S Craven,

Hampden Street,

Bishophill, York.

...IN view of the new evening parking charges and the increasing alcohol-related problems in the city centre, I shall leave York to the drunks.

W Driffield,

Boroughbridge Road,

Upper Poppleton, York.

Updated: 10:07 Wednesday, February 11, 2004