A NIGHT out in York is about to become more expensive. The city council's decision to extend car park charging until 9pm will rake in some urgently needed cash. But that could well be at the expense of York's social and business life.

Last night councillors were blinded to other considerations by the imperative to refill the city's coffers. Inevitably they hit on the softest target known to politicians - the motorist.

We are surprised by the suggestion that the plan to impose evening parking charges attracted little opposition. Traders and residents have expressed their anger in the Evening Press and on Radio York. And with good reason.

This change will have far-reaching effects on so many aspects of York nightlife.

Businesses who rely on evening trade will certainly be hit. Pubs, restaurants, theatres and cinemas can all expect to lose custom because of the charges.

Many of their staff, too, will see their take-home pay significantly reduced as they are compelled to pay a nightly parking charge.

The myriad of night-time community activities will also suffer. Everyone from the couple taking their jive dancing class to the volunteer helping homeless people will have to pay more.

Ultimately, the extended parking charges will deter some residents and visitors from coming in to the city. That goes against all the efforts by the tourist industry to revitalise post-sundown York and encourage a lively, continental-style nightlife.

It will damage any efforts to resuscitate York's late-night shopping experiment and reinforce the perception that the city centre at night is the preserve of gangs of young drinkers.

All this is a big price to pay for £300,000 in extra revenue.

Updated: 10:16 Wednesday, February 04, 2004