EVENING Press readers have expressed anger at City of York Council plans to increase parking prices.

On Saturday, the newspaper reported how opposition was growing to the proposed increases and asked readers their views.

None of the responses received so far has been in support of the proposals.

Keith Chapman, of Nunnery Lane, York, said a hush descended on the congregation at his church when the price rises were announced on Sunday.

He said: "As I sat in the church I realised for the first time in my life I could see the destruction of our city, its community and prosperity and be left with the shell of what York used to be."

Two anonymous responses also warned that the city centre would "die" if rises were brought in.

Another reader, who asked not to be named, said Park&Ride fees should be reduced to encourage people out of their cars.

She also called for traffic wardens or policemen to be posted at all roundabouts near main roads leading into the city centre.

She said: "They could question motorists about their destination and persuade them not to drive into York if they have an alternative route.

"I know that sounds like a police state, but medieval York wasn't meant for modern traffic."

Linda Meek, of Kirk Hammerton, said she did not come into York any more because of high car park charges.

The city council is set to raise the cost of parking in city centre car parks, and also to extend charging until 9pm. More controversially, it has proposed doubling the cost of a permit to park in a residents' only zone, from £42 to £84.

The council's transport boss, Ann Reid, has defended the charges, saying they were partly designed to encourage people to use "greener" forms of transport.

She has pointed to discounts for people who drive shorter cars, measuring 2.7 metres or less.

Coun Reid has said the cost of a resident's permit, at less than £2 a week for the first permit, was "a drop in the ocean" compared to overall car running costs.

Several city centre restaurateurs have spoken in favour of the evening charges.

What do you think of the proposed parking charges? Email your views to richard.edwards@ycp.co.uk

Updated: 10:19 Tuesday, February 03, 2004