Huge rises in street parking charges have been approved despite warnings they will kill trade.

Charges will increase from £2 to £3 an hour for parking in the centre of Brighton and Hove.

There will be steep rises in other fees such as an increase in some areas from 10p to 50p for half an hour.

Tory environment spokesman Ted Kemble last night told the policy committee: "These increases will deter people from coming to the city and adding to our economic development."

He said trade in shops was down by ten per cent and these increases would add to the problem.

Coun Kemble added: "I cannot support these proposed increases which appear to be just another tax on the motorist."

Tory group leader Garry Peltzer Dunn said the rises were a cynical attempt by the Labour group to meet extra council spending.

He said: "We cannot support these draconian increases which would have a tremendous effect on the economic life of the city."

Green convenor Keith Taylor said the revised charges were clearer and fairer.

Labour environment councillor Gill Mitchell said the idea was to simplify parking and make it fairer. In one car park near George Street in Hove, some charges were going down.

She said the council had already been successful in reducing car traffic and increasing numbers using the buses. The council wanted to free up road space and encourage more people to visit shops and businesses.

Voting in favour of the charges was 9-5.

Thursday July 22, 2004