CAR parking charges in central Ipswich are set to increase by several times the current inflation rate in the new year.But council bosses say their parks will still be the best value in town - and make Ipswich a cheaper place to shop than many of its nearest rivals.

CAR parking charges in central Ipswich are set to increase by several times the current inflation rate in the new year.

But council bosses say their parks will still be the best value in town - and make Ipswich a cheaper place to shop than many of its nearest rivals.

The cost of parking is going up by between 10p and 50p a stay.

That will mean the cost of parking in borough car parks will vary from 80p for half an hour to £6 for up to six hours.

That will still be cheaper than NCP car parks in the town or the Buttermarket car park.

The price rises were due to be approved at today's borough executive meeting and are due to come into force on January 8 next year.

The will raise an extra £84,500 a year for the borough - and an extra £21,130 during the last three months of the current financial year.

After the changes are brought in, it will cost £3.50 to park for three hours in Ipswich, between £3.60 and £4.20 to park for three hours in Norwich, between £3.90 and £4.50 to park for three hours in Cambridge, and £3 to park for three hours in Colchester.

The increases are being delayed until early next year to keep the prices down during the crucial Christmas shopping season in Ipswich.

nThe method of paying at the spiral car park is set to change in the new year with a pay-on-foot method, similar to that in use at the Crown Car Park, replacing the existing manned barrier system.