AS a car owner why do I feel increasingly unwelcome in the city in which I have happily lived for the past seven years?

Being fortunate enough to live close to the city centre I take every opportunity to walk where possible, but a car is essential for my work.

The Respark scheme was introduced to prevent parking in residential areas by those working in, or visiting, the city centre.

So why do residents, who do not have the benefit of off-street parking in areas close to the city centre, have to pay for the actions of others?

A charge which only covered the cost of administering the system was just about bearable. The recent decision to double the charge, however, essentially changes the nature of the ResPark scheme from one of benefit to residents to being a tax on car ownership.

The basis of any taxation system is that it should be fair and equitable. The new Respark Tax is neither.

Eamonn Keogh,

Fountayne Street, York.

...WHEN the ResPark scheme was introduced by Labour a few years ago, the fee was only intended to cover the cost of administration. The Lib Dems have now turned this from a service into a new form of taxation which Dave Taylor rightly points out will fall almost entirely in Labour areas (Letters, January 19).

The huge hike in council tax is enough of a burden for us all without this new parking tax. I don't even own a car but I think this is unfair.

Dave Berkeley,

Tower Place, York.

Updated: 10:51 Thursday, January 29, 2004