A BUSINESS leader fears a rise in parking charges will damage trade.

Braintree Council is looking to raise the charges from April 1, 2010, for its 15 car parks.

The charges have not been increased since 2006 and councillors have four options in front of them, including not increasing the charges.

However, if that option is chosen, the projected income for 2009/10 is £743,000 – £63,000 less than it costs the council to run its car parks in Braintree and Witham.

Option three is the preferred choice. It would see a 40 per cent increase in the one-hour ticket, raising it to 70p.

Brian Cutmore, leader of the Braintree Business Council, said: “Shops are struggling as it is. It’s a very detrimental move.

“Increasing car parking charges in the first two hours is going to potentially damage retail trade.”

Council leader Graham Butland said: “Last year we postponed any increases as part of our policy to assist during the recession.

“We’re going out to consultation on whatever option we go for.

“By and large Braintree is charging significantly below other authorities.”

The rest of the increases under option three for short-stay car parks would mean:

* The one to three hour charge rises from £1.20 to £1.50

* The three to six hour charges goes up to £3 from £2.50

* The six hour and over charge rises from £5 to £5.50.