MORE motorists have come forward to tell how they no longer come to York city centre in the evening because of the controversial new parking charges.

Their comments are further cause for worry for city centre restaurants and entertainment venues which claim the City of York Council charges are hitting their custom.

Robin and Pamela Marlow, of Alne, told the Evening Press that they worked in York and previously would regularly meet with friends after work to go to the theatre, City Screen cinema, concerts, have a meal and wander round.

"We no longer do this, we go outside of York, for example to Vue instead of City Screen, even though we are members," they said.

"This is now our habit and we no longer even consider York in our plans. Unfortunately for York, this seems to be true of so many others that we have spoken to recently."

Sonia Hustwick, of Haxby, said: "We have not been in to York for a night out since this ludicrous idea was started. We got so sick of driving around trying to find somewhere to park - we just go elsewhere now.

"It wouldn't be so bad if they banned parking and made other transport methods available, but the Park & Ride services still finish at 8.30pm - what good is that for a night out?

"And the First York bus service drops from ten-minute intervals to 30-minute intervals after 6pm. Again, what good is that for anyone trying to come into the city to go to a theatre for a particular time?"

Paul Cody, of Middleton, Pickering, said: "I have dramatically reduced my visits to York, particularly in the evenings, to City Screen and other venues."

Coun Quentin Macdonald, executive member for resources, said that the council had brought in evening charges in the face of desperate financial difficulties, with alternatives being cuts in important services or a further council tax rise, which would almost certainly have resulted in capping.

He urged motorists to think again about boycotting York on an evening, saying that a review later this year would look at the impact of charges - but the revenue was needed in the meantime.

Updated: 09:33 Saturday, July 10, 2004