The rise has sparked concerns businesses could be put at risk, as drivers and shoppers struggle with the effects of the credit crunch.

Doncaster Council says the increase is necessary because the costs of running its car parks have risen.

The authority is putting up charges across the borough's car parks and meters by 10p in most cases – a rise of 50 per cent in the cheaper areas.

The markets car park will see its prices rise from 80p to 90p an hour, and £1.30 to £1.40 for two hours.

The southern multi-storey car park rises from 50p to 60p for an hour, £1.10 to £1.20 for two hours, £1.50 to £1.60 for three hours, and from £3.50 to £3.70 for any stay longer than three hours.

At Marshgate parking will rise in price from 20p to 30p.

What do you think? Post your comment below.

The rise was today condemned by Doncaster councillor Mick Maye, who makes his living as a trader on Doncaster Market.

He is worried the rise will hit business at a time when retailers are already under pressure, and wants to see the increase reversed.

He said: "All it is going to do is drive people away from the town centre. If they are serious about keeping cars and raising revenue I would sooner they taxed places at out-of-town shopping centres.

"There are places in North Yorkshire where they have discs that allow people to park for free in the town centre for a limited time. Why can't we do that? It is always the town centre which gets hit.

"Car users are already going to be trying to cut down on using their vehicles because of the high cost of petrol at the moment, and I don't think this is going to raise a significant amount of cash."

Jane Miller, Doncaster Council's director of neighbourhoods, said: "The parking charges increase annually in line with inflation."


READ MORE
Your letters.
Today's features.
Latest sport.
Main news index.