Lib Dems fight parking charge rise

A fight has been launched by Liberal Democrats to scrub controversial proposals for a 30 per cent hike in town centre parking charges.

Lib Dem parliamentary candidate Tony Hill said: "The vast majority of people are angry at the proposed steep rise in charges, but were equally incensed at the switch to pay and display - without even talking to local businesses."

If approved by the Royal Borough cabinet, from January 2008 drivers will end up paying 90p for an hour's stay at the Nicholson Centre instead of the current 70p, and similar charges will be introduced elsewhere.

There are also proposals to introduce parking charges at Boulters Lock car park, which is currently free but could soon face a tariff of 50p for three hours and £1 for any longer.