YORK'S high parking charges have come under fire from an organisation representing the city's pensioners.

Members of the Older People's Assembly claimed that the charges are having a disproportionate impact on older people, many of whom are on low incomes.

They also claimed that city centre evening classes will be badly hit when they resume in September, as people will have to add evening parking charges to the normal course fees.

Assembly members also argued that the charges clash with the Without Walls concept of an "inclusive city," and that York Card holders should be able to park free in the city centre on an evening.

An individual pensioner has also complained about the impact of charges on her evening social life.

Joy Pearce, of Sand Hutton, said she was 70 years old but still enjoyed going out for dinner or to visit the theatre or City Screen cinema.

Because of arthritis, she needed to park centrally, but the Clifford's Tower car park now cost £1.60 an hour. "People on a pension still enjoy an active life, but these charges after 6pm will prohibit such a life.

"York is such a beautiful city, especially at night.

"What a dreadful shame if there is no one to appreciate it. Good luck in your efforts."

Updated: 11:54 Tuesday, August 17, 2004