I RECENTLY drove into York for a concert at The Grand Opera House. I set off early to ensure I could get parked.

When I arrived in the city centre there was nowhere to park and, having failed to find a space behind Clifford's Tower, I drove into Piccadilly only to find the same situation there.

As well as nowhere to park I discovered three traffic wardens eagerly sticking tickets on any and every car that had attempted to park where they could.

These vehicles were not in anyone's way nor were they causing any obstruction to traffic or pedestrians. They, like me, had obviously come into York for shopping or to partake of the Christmas festivities.

Giving up on ever finding anywhere to park, I drove home with a wasted theatre ticket in my pocket.

If City of York Council wants people to visit the city at this special time of year it should make better provision and greater allowances for the extra vehicles instead of ensuring their nocturnal revenue-collecting vultures are out in force to further penalise motorists.

John Ward,

Pinfold Terrace,

Tollerton,

York.

Updated: 08:39 Saturday, December 06, 2003