CHARITIES, voluntary workers and street entertainers in York could be spared evening parking charges.

The idea was mooted yesterday by council leader Steve Galloway as a review continues into the city's controversial new parking charges and yellow lines.

"It might be possible to introduce some kind of permit system to allow free access by voluntary workers, charities and street entertainers," Coun Galloway said.

He also revealed that emergency services will be consulted about access difficulties as part of a review of evening on-street parking restrictions.

"It may be possible to change the restrictions in some streets. There may also be the opportunity to standardise charges at parking meters."

The Evening Press Stop the Highway Robbery campaign, calling for evening charges and unnecessary yellow lines to be scrapped, has won massive backing from residents, businesses, charities and visitors.

Defending the council's actions at a meeting of the executive, Coun Galloway said: "York does provide good value for money. It is not an expensive city to visit and the large numbers of tourists this summer supports that view."

He said council-run car parks were well-surfaced, well-lit, conveniently located and covered by 24 hour CCTV security coverage.

"All these improvements have to be paid for."

Coun Galloway also said the evening frequent users pass (FUP) might also be extended to Sundays to assist churchgoers.

Another advantage of the FUP was that it could be discounted for users of environmentally-friendly vehicles, he said.

He said residents in ResParkzones were being invited to suggest any changes to charging in their areas in time for their October ward committee meeting.

The council leader said these charging arrangements would then be reviewed in the run-up to next year's budget.

Coun Galloway also revealed that he had asked the director of resources of economic development for a review of the central York economy.

This will look at whether the council is getting value for money for its annual investment or whether resources could be better focused.

Final recommendations on the way forward will be considered by the council's executive and the council at its meeting on September 28.

Residents with ideas on how the council could reduce its spending or increase its income, should send them to the Chief Executive (car park consultation), City of York Council, Guildhall, York, YO1 9QN or email transport.planning@york.gov.uk by Friday, August 13.

Updated: 10:30 Wednesday, August 04, 2004