I MUST take this opportunity to praise Southampton City Council for at last getting something completely right. Having lived in Bitterne and surrounding area of the city all my life, I have often struggled to park my car when I needed to shop or visit the bank.

Although there are ample car parks in the Bitterne vicinity they were always jammed and difficult to find a space.

Then a notice of parking charges went up, shortly followed by meters, Another scam to make a quick buck, I thought, but how wrong could I be.

They have cleverly introduced a system where it is free for up to five hours, but charges apply after, thus forcving out of town free parking for the city bus hoppers out, leaving a relatively empty car park where the local residents can park with ease and go about their duties. Thank you.

STEVE HICKMAN, Southampton.