A vehicle shifter (1) having a cable actuator (50) that is responsive to the ignition key steering lock mechanism and the shifter (1). A cam (40) responsive to the shifting of the shifter's handle (21) is operatively connected to the cable actuator (50) so that when the key is turned off, the cam locks the handle (21) in "Park" and when the ignition key is turned on, the cam (40) can be pivoted by the handle (21) to actuate the cable actuator (50) which actuates the cable (2) to prevent the ignition key from being withdrawn. Preferably, the cable actuator (50) is also a cam (40) which is engaged and pivoted by the first-mentioned cam (40) to actuate the cable (2). A safety mechanism is provided to prevent damage to cable (2) and other elements in the event an inadvertent force is exerted on the shift lever (21).