THE time-honoured role played by motorists in balancing York's books was highlighted today.

City of York Council announced that parking charges will not go up for four out of five spaces. More remarkably still, this price freeze is the first of its kind since the unitary authority was born.

That means drivers have been hit with across-the-board parking fee hikes for eight years' running.

Both Labour and Liberal Democrat-controlled councils have used parking charges as a form of stealth tax. Even this year, three short-stay car parks will see hourly charges increase by a third.

Mostly, however, the price freeze is a refreshing change.

Many of those who drive into York also drive its economy - by shopping, visiting attractions, eating at pubs and restaurants. With so much competition from out-of-town retailers with free parking, a relentless increase in city centre parking charges was likely to dissuade shoppers from coming into York.

Now, at last, the council can trumpet a more car-friendly policy. It is no surprise that city shopkeepers and business leaders have welcomed the news.

The only question is, why? Why now, for the first time since 1996, have motorists escaped?

There is a two-word answer: people power. Thousands of readers backed our campaign against the last round of parking hikes and extensions. Councillors knew yet another price rise would reignite residents' smouldering resentment. They have resisted. It is the right decision, politically and economically.

Updated: 10:19 Thursday, March 31, 2005