Parking charges for motorists commuting into Colchester town centre look set to rise by up to 18 per cent.

But if the new charges get the go-ahead, they will not affect short-term car parks for shoppers.

Under the proposals drawn up for the borough council's planning and transportation committee, workers using the Middleborough and Sheepen Road car parks for up to nine hours will have to pay £2 as opposed to £1.70.

In a report to councillors for January 11, transportation and parking manager John Hawkins explained the increase was due to the successful implementation of the new parking structure earlier this year.

"The changes to car park charges have achieved their objectives and it is now easier for shoppers and visitors to park in the town centre," he said.

"The best spaces are no longer occupied all day by commuters and at peak times during the week, queuing is reduced or eliminated altogether."

Officers hope the further increase will continue the trend and encourage more people who work in the town to use alternative forms of transport.

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