Abstract: An actuating mechanism for a vehicle parking brake mounted in a vehicle consisting of the following elements. An actuator that is pivotally-mounted for movement between a first and second position. An elongate output member connected to a vehicle parking brake that is slidably mounted in the mounting structure. This elongate output member moves in a brake-applying direction in response to the movement of the actuator from the first to second position. A driver that alternates states between an uncoupled and coupled position in relation to the output member, in response to the movement of the actuator from the first to second position, respectively. A releasable holder that restrains the output member against reverse movement during movement of the actuator from second to first position, and a release mechanism for disengaging the releasable holder from the output member.