MOTORISTS knew it was coming. Whenever there is a gap in the public coffers, whether at Whitehall or York Guildhall, drivers are expected to make up the shortfall.

So it is again. York council leader Steve Galloway, attempting to fill a £2 million hole, wants to bring in evening charges for busy car parks. True, he also wants cheaper rates for less popular car parks, but that too is all about increasing revenue, by bringing more motorists in.

As Coun Galloway admits, there is a paradox here. Does his council want to discourage motorists? That is suggested by the introduction of evening parking charges, which would make a trip into York at night as expensive as the daytime journey. Leisure businesses, such as pubs, restaurants and theatres, will be alarmed to learn that the price of a night out in York is about to leap up.

And if a reduction in car journeys really is council policy, should not the £246,000 shortfall in parking income be seen as a success? Or does Coun Galloway want more drivers to bring their cars into York? That is implied by the price cuts.

For years the council has displayed an ambivalent attitude to the motorist. Unfortunately the Liberal Democrats look set to continue the trend of setting parking policy on the hoof, in response to short-term financial pressures rather than in accordance with a long-term vision.

Before the already confusing pricing structure is changed again, the council ought to investigate how York's parking fees compare to its rival centres. And any plan to increase evening parking charges should run alongside a proposal for improved night-time public transport.

Updated: 11:14 Wednesday, October 08, 2003