For residents they are a bureaucratic hassle, but at the same time they ensure a bit of free space in which to park their vehicle.

For visitors they are a nuisance, but they help to prevent parking anarchy in the city's busiest streets.

It's a bargain we have come to accept.

Now though the issue of parking permits has been taken to a new level. Councillors are talking about introducing a system which would mean that permit holders would have to pay for those permits.

This is a new and disturbing development because although parking permits are necessary, paying for them is not.

Most people would now agree that Leeds needs a new, better, coherent transport policy - but this is not it.

In fact, it smacks of Leeds City Council trying to make money rather than trying to improve the quality of life of its citizens.

Parking permits exist to allow residents to park their own cars on their own street: money does not need to change hands to achieve that aim.


Home truths

One of the defining features of Leeds is its rows of back-to-back houses. These modest homes are an evocative part of our history, featuring in many photographs and paintings of the city.

Now the chimneys may no longer smoke and the washing probably dries in a tumble dryer, but the houses are still important to Leeds.

So it is good news that millions of pounds are being spent to give some of them a new lease of life.

At one time in the city's history the thinking was that these homes should be demolished .

But that short-sighted view has changed and it is heartening to learn that these homes will be standing proud for many years to come.


A simple act


Gill Hicks is starting a walk from Leeds to London this weekend, an endurance test of some magnitude for a woman who lost both her legs in the 7/7 bombings.

Three years after the attacks, Gill, who now wears prosthetic legs, is undertaking the month-long trek to promote peace and community relations.

Over the next month, she will walk between 10 and 20 miles a day.
This simple act is proof once more that the human spirit is ultimately more powerful than any act of hatred could ever be.