Parking charges at Southminster and Althorne stations start on Monday, but a parish council chairman fears that there will be 'gridlock' on the streets as people refuse to pay.

Notices have been put up at the two stations stating new parking charges -- it was previously free.

A Great Eastern spokesman said the reason the charges have been introduced is that people from further afield have been been using the car parks instead of those nearest to their homes, so when local commuters go to use them they are full.

He added: "We feel it will improve car parking facilities."

But Southminster parish council chairman Brian Beale said: "The implications of driving in Southminster are horrendous. Motorists won't pay the money and will park all over the place -- it will be gridlock."

At Southminster the charge will be £4.10 a week, £15.70 a month and £47.20 for three months. At Althorne it is £6.10, £23.40 and £70.50 respectively.

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