Increased parking charges in the Suffolk town of Sudbury could kill off small and independent businesses there, owners and councillors have warned.
The fee rise comes just 12 months after parking charges were first introduced into the area by Babergh District Council last January.
It means motorists will now pay between 20p and 50p more to use car parks and on-street parking in the town.
But business-owners and local councillors say they are aghast at the increase, which they fear could devastate visitor numbers.
Melanie Barrett, a Conservative member of Sudbury Town Council, said: “We are united in opposing this increase as we believe it will damage the town and its businesses.”
She added that there was widespread concern that the increase would result in a fall in people coming to the historic market town. She said it may lose its appeal as a popular destination for day visitors.
Keith Wilkinson, owner of the Twenteaone cafe in the town centre, said:”It could kill businesses. We have really felt the effect of the introduction of charges last year so we’re dreading it this time. It also leaves customers with a time limit which is just one other downside.”
A recent study by the University of Suffolk’s recent study on parking charges in Hadleigh, Lavenham and Sudbury found that, while there is actually little evidence to suggest a large impact on overall visitor numbers, it could result in “crowding out shorter visits to town”.
Babergh District Council has previously said the charges are part of wider action to reduce significant budgetary pressures.
