PARKING charges at the country parks in Essex are under review.

Essex County Council is looking to increase parking fees by the level of inflation at seven of the eight parks in the county.

The proposed changes would come into force on April 1, 2014, if agreed by senior councillors.

Other proposals include introducing free parking for blue badge holders and bringing in a parking charge for vehicles exempt from road tax.

There would be no change to season ticket prices and concessions would still apply.

A seasonal price variation is being considered for the parks at Great Notley and Thorndon, near Brentwood. Free parking would continue at Marsh Farm, at South Woodham Ferrers.

Essex County Council also runs country parks at Cudmore Grove at East Mersea, Hadleigh, Belhus Woods at Aveley, Danbury and Weald.

A council spokesman said: “We have not increased car parking charges in our country parks since 2011 and we are now reviewing those charges.

“The county council is committed to deliver its services while making savings of £215million over the next three years, due to reductions in central government funding.”