AS the council reveals where our parking money is going people are questioning whether their high parking costs is a case of ‘cutting off the hand that feeds them’.

With almost £24 million going into the council ledger from parking charges and fines, residents have a right to know where that money is being spent.

The release of their annual parking report is an important example of transparency that allows us to see where our money is going.

However some have said while the figure may be impressive, it is indicative of ongoing problems in the city, fuelled by high parking charges.

Tourism bosses say that high car parking prices are driving people away but the council has rejected this.

While parking costs may or may not be driving away tourists, the people suffering worst of all have to be the residents.

Green initiatives to try and encourage people to leave their cars at home are good and to be supported.

But when some say they cannot afford to park in their own city it leaves many questioning whether the prices are still too high.