ONE of the main attractions with out-of-town shopping outlets is free parking. City-centre traders have long argued they should benefit from a level playing field in this regard and they might be about to get their wish.

For a 12-month period, beginning in May, motorists will be able to park for nothing in York on Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings and with luck it could even become a permanent fixture.

The initiative has come about through work between the city’s various business forums and David Cox of the Federation of Small Businesses says it will be the “first of many changes that can be made by working together”.

Hopefully that would also include extending free parking times beyond this initial step.

The new trial follows a successful pilot exercise that took place earlier this year. We welcomed that and we welcome this one even more, because regular free parking in York city centre is a step in the right direction.

Traders and shoppers know that. We are pleased City of York Council has seen fit to give it a try.