INCREASED car parking charges that came into force over the weekend will cause chaos and lead to more fines, claim some local drivers.

Charges for car parks in the Vale were increased on Saturday from 70p to £1 for one hour, and a new half-hourly charge of 50p was introduced at short-stay car parks.

Wychavon District Council say the new charge will give residents more flexibility and relieve pressure on street spaces at busy times.

But not all residents agree, with some claiming the new charges will just encourage people to park illegally.

Lucinda Jones, of Claverton, near Stoulton, was in Pershore High Street car park. She said: “I have only got 70p with me today because I didn’t realise the charges had gone up. Now I will have to rush.

“It is a very expensive car park. It encourages you to spend 50p and then more people will go over their permitted time and get a ticket.”

Arthur Ore, of Manor Road, Eckington, said: “The car park is empty. It used to be much busier. It’s the same in Evesham.

There’s a lot more traffic in Broad Street now with people wanting to park for free.”

People visiting Pershore Hospital said free parking should be provided for patients. Philip Banister, of Elmley Castle, was outside the hospital. He said: “As long as you only stay half an hour it’s fine.

“People park on the double yellow lines because it is too expensive to park.” However, some people are supportive of the new charges.

Sara Rawstron, visiting the town from Worcester, said: “It’s in line with Worcester. I don’t think it’s that bad.”

The council estimates the changes will produce an annual income of £400,000 adding that it will help Wychavon to “continue providing first class frontline services and keep council tax rates low”.