IN response to Mr W Arnold's observations of parking in Bootham (Letters, August 13), a similar situation exists in Blossom Street where a parking meter "guards" a position for two cars.

If that is cost effective I am a monkey's uncle.

On a recent shopping trip to Blossom Street I stayed with my vehicle, which was parked on double yellow lines, while my son dashed for what was a decent sale in the motorcycle shop.

Had I not been available, the purchase would almost certainly have been made elsewhere.

If short stay parking had been available there, allowing browsing time, the shop could have done much better from us.

There can be little justification for no parking along the entire length of this road, even less for pointless meters on every nook and cranny of our city.

The city council should realise that while they squeeze blood out of the motorist, they are also squeezing the life out of city business.

G W Clemmit,

Owston Avenue,

York.

Updated: 11:22 Wednesday, August 18, 2004