YOU can tell Labour is hurting in York. There was a hint of defensiveness from new Transport boss Coun David Levene yesterday, even when announcing an initiative that will surely be welcomed by many.

“We have done what we are often accused of not doing. We have listened,” Coun Levene said, as the council’s ruling Labour cabinet confirmed it had approved a pilot scheme to introduce free city centre parking up to 11am three mornings a week.

We are glad to see Labour listening on this issue, because it needed to.

We supported the development of the new Vangarde shopping park at Monks Cross because of the investment and jobs it will bring to York – not to mention the new shops, which will hopefully attract more shoppers here.

But we have always stressed the need to protect the city centre and its businesses too.

Out-of-town shopping centres offer free parking, something city centre businesses have, until now, not been able to match.

Free parking three days a week, even if only until 11am, should help. And it is appropriate that the scheme is being funded by cash from the Vangarde development: an example of the planning system working for the good of all.