Shoppers are set for a hike in parking charges – with some areas seeing increases of more than 100%.

The Argus can exclusively reveal that Brighton and Hove City Council has drawn up revised tariffs, including the introduction of a weekend rate at its city centre car parks, as a way of raising money.

It would result in motorists at one car park paying up to £15 for four hours on a Saturday or Sunday – up from the current £9.50.

The proposed charges were leaked by an anonymous source, who described the move as a “ridiculous, greedy tactic”.

The Green-led local authority said any increases – which have yet to be finalised – would improve sustainable transport use while lowering carbon emissions and improving air quality.

But critics have described the plans as a "body blow", ading it would be a "congestion charge by stealth".

Papers seen by The Argus, to be discussed by the council later this month, map out plans for the 2012/13 financial year.

Transport cabinet member Ian Davey said: "Parking charges are reviewed every year and generally some charges have been raised year on year to reflect the need to manage parking in order to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow."

Conservative group leader Geoffrey Theobald said: "In these tough times of economic turmoil, the last thing that businesses and residents in the city need is this body blow."

Labour and Co-op group leader Gill Mitchell said: "These are Green anti-motorist policies that will hit local businesses hard at a time when they are already struggling."

See the two-page special report inside today's Argus.

Information leaked to The Argus showing all proposed parking charges for Brighton and Hove can be seen on a dedicated planned tariffs for 2012/13 page.

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