Car parking charges at a train station are about to be doubled, sparking outrage from commuters.

From Wednesday, passengers leaving their cars in the 850-space car park behind Brighton station will have to pay £10 a day.

Train operators South Central bumped up the cost from £3.50 to £5 a day a year ago.

Rail watchdogs have predicted the latest price hike will put many passengers off using the station.

However, the firm claims it has had to increase the charges to stop non-rail users clogging up the car park.

Artist Barry Hinchcliff, from Rottingdean, was horrified to read the new parking fees on posters at the station.

He travels to London several times a year with pieces of artwork to display at the Royal Academy.

He said: "There is no way I can take these heavy packages on the bus and I find it convenient to get a train.

"But to double the car parking charge is completely outrageous.

"Many commuters will not find out until they start back at work and it is too late to protest."

Shelley Atlas, chairwoman of the Brighton Line Commuters group, warned the increase would more likely deter people from rail travel than stop shoppers taking parking spaces.

She said: "People pay enough for fares already.

"The car park is of no use to people in the city centre, only for people using the trains."

South Central spokesman Marsid Greenidge said most rail users had monthly or annual season tickets.

Annual season tickets will increase by £10 to £510.

He said: "Our charges are still substantially cheaper than the NCP car parks.

"We want to ensure the spaces go to people using our services."