COMMUTERS are boycotting Manningtree station because parking charges have gone up.

Some people who work in Colchester, Chelmsford and even London are abandoning the trains in favour of their cars because they say it is cheaper to drive.

Parking firm NCP has put up daily parking charges by 20p a day, to £6.20, with season ticket holders being asked to fork out an extra £20 for a year’s parking.

The increase – just a year after NCP last put up charges – applies to all National Express East Anglia stations, including Colchester North.

Neil Skinner, chairman of Manningtree Rail Users’ Association, said: “They have done the maths and worked out it’s cheaper to drive, if they are travelling to Colchester, Chelmsford or even Shenfield.

“I know it’s only risen by 20p a day, but over a year, that’s an extra £40 to find.”

The price rise has also forced some drivers to park on residential streets and in laybys on the A137 instead.

Melvin Bartholomew, a commuter from Dovercourt, said: “It comes as no surprise to hear they are parking away from the station.

“I know when the line was closed late last year because of a landslip, I parked in Manningtree rather than pay the £6 charge.”

Ken Edwards, Lawford Parish Council’s highways representative, said: “Since the car park was extended last year, there are certainly a lot more spaces in there every day.

“The prices are too high. People are already paying for season tickets on the train and have to pay for car parking on top.”

Michelle McCarthy, of NCP, said: “NCP and National Express East Anglia work in partnership to provide a car park which has sustainable revenues to allow us to keep the site operational and commercially viable.

“That means we need to adjust our tariffs from time to time.”