COUNCIL transport chiefs today stood firm over controversial parking changes on a busy York street - despite receiving a 700-name petition from angry residents.

City of York Council looks set to stick with double yellow lines in Fossgate.

The move - which outlawed evening parking - is part of a raft of parking changes that have provoked uproar in some sections of the city.

The Fossgate petition was up for discussion at today's executive, but officers have recommended the lines stay put.

Labour opposition councillors said the move had been rushed through in an "arrogant" manner and called for a "proper debate".

Coun Brian Watson, who presented the petition to the council, said councillors had shown flexibility by meeting Micklegate and East Parade traders to discuss parking concerns, and Fossgate residents should be given a similar opportunity.

Previously, single yellow lines on the street allowed night parking.

But Liberal Democrat transport executive member Ann Reid said the council stood by its Fossgate policy, which would help curb congestion.

Emergency vehicles have often struggled to get past parked cars on Fossgate, she added.

"The reasons for implementing double-yellow lines are still valid," said Coun Reid, who said consultation was carried out.

"We want to wait another six months before considering reviewing them."

However, Labour called for a meeting between the council, residents and traders in Fossgate.

Shadow executive member Coun Janet Looker said: "All these changes have been introduced in such an arrogant, top-down way without any attempt to understand the local perspective.

"I hope the Lib Dems will learn from their mistakes and actually listen to people before they take action in future."

Coun Watson added: "It is totally unacceptable that this report is proposing 'no action' when over 700 people signed the petition calling for a proper debate."

Graham Audus, spokesman for Fossgate Traders' Assoc-iation, said the group was not opposed to the Fossgate changes, and backed pedestrian-friendly moves.

Meanwhile, executive members will today decide whether to continue with on-street parking charges on East Parade in Heworth and in Walmgate, or scrap pay and display machines and bring in alternative car park charges.

The Evening Press reported last week how 4,000 shoppers and residents had lobbied the council, asking it to make the changes in East Parade.

Updated: 09:46 Tuesday, May 18, 2004