ON holiday last summer I visited several cities which, like York, had Park and Ride facilities. However, there was one big difference - the price.

Are York residents and visitors being taken for a ride?

Shewsbury, for example, charge 80p for a return journey, while Cheltenham's fare is £1 and Gloucester £1.60 per car load. All covered similar distances as those in York.

I am told Scarborough charges only 80p (40p one way).

If these examples are typical, then how can York, which has a much greater catchment, justify a whopping £1.80 a person?

How many more motorists would use the scheme if fares were similar to those mentioned above?

Park and Ride is an excellent innovation, but its introduction was supposed to be environmental not economical.

With the money that is being raked in by the operators no wonder there is a race to build more.

N Norville,

Shipton Road,

York.

Updated: 12:06 Monday, December 08, 2003