MOTORISTS have slammed new parking fees designed to cut congestion and attract more shoppers to town.

Drivers are being forced to dig deeper for long-stay parking under new charges introduced to Colchester Council's car parks this week.

Under the latest scheme, parking fees for more than four hours have risen across 11 of the council's 13 car parks.

Drivers parking for four hours a day will see fees rise between 20p and 90p, with those parking beyond 12 hours experiencing the biggest price increase, from £12 to £15.

Sunday parking fees are also up at Middleborough, Butt Road, Sheepen Road, St Mary's and St John's by 50p.

Meanwhile, a £2 evening charge has been introduced at Middleborough on a trial basis, to deter nuisance youths from congregating in the car park late at night.

But short-stay parking fees have been cut.