ON-STREET parking charges in Lancaster are set to rise by 33 per cent.

The County Council has tabled proposals to increase the charges by April 2000. The half hourly charge will increase from 30p to 40p and the hourly rate will rise from 60p to 80p for the majority of the city centre parking zones.

A report to go before county councillors says that the increase will "will maintain a differential between on and off-street charges, with on-street charges being more expensive."

The report adds: "The lack of on-street charge increase since the scheme was launched is eroding the overall deterrent effect on car use."

County Councillor David Woods said: "On the one hand they're trying to encourage new shops to open and on the other hand they are discouraging shoppers by making it expensive to park your car. I oppose the parking increases and I'm sure they can only have a detrimental effect on trade."

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