WHEN I was (much) younger, I was taught that if we made a mistake or did something wrong, the best and only thing to do was admit it, apologise and, if possible, rectify the matter.

That teaching usually worked and the wrongdoer was not thought of as badly as if they tried to cover it up or wrap it up so much that it would be darn near impossible to rectify the error and pacify those who had been wronged.

The members of this council seem not to know the meaning of humility. That fiasco of the Lendal Bridge fines could have been laid to rest long ago. They need to admit their error, apologise and fix it. The situation has been a catalogue of errors.

Apart from anything else, what is the financial cost of producing forms for completion, staff to process the application, writing cheques and postage?

The council should just write a cheque and post it to all concerned, including their sincere apologies for the misunderstanding. The recipients should also be offered a free day in any of our car parks should they ever wish to return.

Janet S Kitchen-Cooper, Ashley Park Road, York.