YORK could introduce a flat rate evening parking charge - with a hefty discount for residents, it emerged today.

But council leader Steve Galloway has indicated that the authority cannot afford to completely scrap evening fees at this stage.

Coun Galloway revealed his latest thoughts on the controversy over parking charges and restrictions in the last of four Evening Press articles.

Charges have triggered protests from residents, traders, charities and tourists - and the Evening Press Stop The Highway Robbery campaign.

Coun Galloway said it was clear from discussions and correspondence that "most people are concerned about evening car parking issues".

He added: "Many feel that the additional cost between 6 and 9pm could deter people from a 'night out' in the city, particularly affecting entertainment industries... as well as some voluntary groups."

He said one answer might be to introduce a flat rate fee, replacing the hourly tariff and covering car parks and street meters between 6.30pm to 8.30am. No charge has been set but the Evening Press understands one possibility could be about £2, with a £1 resident discount.

Coun Galloway also said frequent user passes could be made more attractive. Extra discounts could be made to charities, he added, by a form of permit system.

Coun Galloway said many taxpayers felt tourists should contribute through higher charges to York's upkeep. A lower parking tariff for residents, possibly through a revamped Minster badge scheme could be launched using smart card technology.

He said the income gained from charges was the equivalent of an 11 per cent council tax hike.

Updated: 10:39 Tuesday, August 03, 2004