A SLUMP in tourists plus plunging consumer confidence equals bad news for many York city centre traders.
The local authority's role is to provide the best possible support to businesses as they battle to keep buoyant.
But is City of York Council's parking policy hindering trade? That question remains open.
Certainly the higher charges are discouraging motorists from driving to the city centre.
If they are all switching to Park & Ride, that will benefit the environment without harming the economy.
But if some are choosing to shop elsewhere, we have a problem.
More analysis of the situation is necessary to ensure emptier car parks do not result in emptier cash tills.
Updated: 11:32 Monday, September 05, 2005
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