CONTROVERSIAL parking price rises were introduced in York today.

Motorists will now have to pay to park in street bays, where one hour's parking used to be free.

Fees are already in place in car parks between 6pm and 9pm. Charging used to stop at 6pm.

Steep rises in the cost of a resident's parking permit, from £42 to £84 for the first permit, will take effect throughout the year, depending on permit renewal dates.

City of York Council's ruling Liberal Democrat group has faced intense criticism over the charges, but has been determined to see them through.

It expects to raise an extra £300,000 from the new charges, money vital to meet the council's large budget gap.

The Liberal Democrats have been clear the money was needed to fill part of its financial black hole, but has also pushed the "green" element to the charges.

Senior group members have said the increases are aimed at encouraging people to leave their cars at home, and highlighted Respark discounts for drivers of "short" cars.

The opposition Labour group has not been convinced by the arguments and has branded the new charges a "tax", stressing that the majority of Respark schemes are in Labour wards.

Updated: 10:37 Monday, March 29, 2004