Don't strangle goose that lays London's golden eggs

Parking is a serious issue. People feel strongly about it for the logical reason that it - or more precisely the lack of it - affects their freedom to travel about.

The charges for parking levied by London boroughs have long been a cause of aggravation even though, in theory at least, such charging is designed to ensure spaces are always available.

Westminster City Council has whipped up controversy by proposing to extend the charged hours in the West End until midnight from Monday to Saturday and on Sunday to 6pm.

Churches and retailers, who rarely agree, are united against the move. Mayor Boris Johnson has stated his opposition. Introduction of the change has been delayed until the new year.

In fairness to Westminster, claims of woe and gloom have greeted parking charges since the council introduced the first ones to Mayfair in 1958. Despite the step-by-step rise to today's level of charges, the West End has remained one of the most prosperous places in the world. The population of central London is rising and will do so in future. Overwhelmingly, people travel to Oxford Street and Regent Street by Tube and bus.

But there is no room for complacency. The West End now has Westfield bookends. A massive mall at Shepherd's Bush has recently been complemented by a hyper one at Stratford.

Although the pound's weakness has spared central London the worst effects of the long economic downturn, it is inevitable Stratford Westfield will take trade from West End stores.

Boroughs' finances are under great pressure and Londoners must expect higher charges for everything from allotments to care for the elderly.

But at the margin, shops, theatres and restaurants are likely to be disadvantaged by an extension in West End parking hours.

London's goose needs care and attention if it is to continue laying golden eggs.