YOUR editorial asks the city council to show flexibility in the case of Mark Elwers who paid his parking fine in pennies (June 11).

We were in the process of doing just that when Mr Elwers staged his protest. Mr Elwers had been asked for medical confirmation of his reasons for parking illegally, which we feel is only reasonable.

As we told the Evening Press (but which was not reported) the council is always ready to take into account genuine cases of difficulty and does so on a daily basis.

However, we can only do so when we have the co-operation of the individuals concerned.

Bill Woolley

Acting director, environment and development services,

City of York Council

St Leonard's Place, York.

Updated: 09:31 Thursday, June 17, 2004