A rail users' group has hit out at proposals which will double car parking charges for Braintree commuters.

The increase in charges at Station Approach car park are part of a district-wide review of car park pricing and operation.

David Bigg, chairman of the Witham and Braintree Rail Users' Association, has lodged an objection with the council against price rises taking daily fees from £1.20 to £3, monthly parking permits from £15 to £30 and annual permits from £150 to £300.

He said: "The charges are doubling at a time when council tax is rising. Commuters tend to be higher paid than many people working locally, but they pay higher national insurance and this will hit them where it hurts most - in their pockets.

"We believe the council has failed to consult and people had to rely on seeing the statutory notice in the paper two weeks ago.

"The car parks need investing in and there's not enough spaces at the moment. At the moment, the council seems to be working on the less supply the higher the demand, so the more you can charge."

A spokeswoman for Braintree Council said this was the first general increase in the district's parking charges for six years and the charges remained competitive in comparison to neighbouring local authorities.

Members of the public have until April 11 to object to Patrick Dempsey, head of legal services at Braintree Council, with regards to the off-street parking order. Copies of the proposals are available from Causway House.

Published Monday, April 7 , 2003

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