PARKING charges in the centre of Selby are set to rise by 20 per cent in a move which has angered traders.

Motorists face higher fees for the town’s long and short-stay car parks under proposals being discussed by Selby District Council’s executive next week in a bid to bring an extra £60,000 into the authority’s coffers.

Council officers also drew up options for a 36 per cent hike, but have recommended setting the parking tariffs at a lower level.

But Selby Chamber of Trade said a 20 per cent increase would still risk driving shoppers away from the town centre.

If approved, the cost of parking for more than two hours in the Portholme Road and Back Micklegate car parks would rise from £4.50 to £5.40. A 12-month permit for these sites would increase from £780 to £936.

Stays of more than three hours would go up from £2.50 to £3, while short-stay parking for up to an hour at sites such as Market Cross, Selby Park, South Parade and Abbey Leisure Centre would rise by 10p. Stays of up to three hours would increase by 20p.

David Fieldsend, chairman of Selby Chamber of Trade, said: “Parking is a nightmare at the best of times in Selby.

“We now have a pedestrianised town centre, which might look nice, but if you can’t park anywhere it’s pointless. Raising prices to come into town is just going to encourage people to shop elsewhere, such as at large out-of-town shopping centres which offer free parking.

“We need to get people to come into the town, so is raising a few extra pounds worth losing more in revenue to shop owners?”

Parking fees were last increased in 2008, according to a report by the council’s business manager, Eileen Scothern, who said a six-week consultation would be carried out on any proposed increase.

“The aim is to encourage short-stay car-parking and increase the turnover of vehicles and patrons in the town centre, thus contributing to the local economy while optimising income from a council asset,” said the report. Any price changes would also mean signs and software detailing car parking arrangements would have to be changed at a cost of £6.000.