MOTORISTS in the Suffolk Coastal district are facing huge rises in parking charges of up to 150 per cent. Suffolk Coastal District Council is hoping to raise an extra £300,000 with the proposals, which have sparked anger from residents and businesses.

MOTORISTS in the Suffolk Coastal district are facing huge rises in parking charges of up to 150 per cent.

Suffolk Coastal District Council is hoping to raise an extra £300,000 with the proposals, which have sparked anger from residents and businesses.

Shopkeepers warned the increases could drive trade away from the High Street and also lead to drivers parking in residential streets to avoid the charges.

But the council, which is about to launch an official consultation exercise, dismissed the criticisms and said it needed the extra money because the Government does not give enough funding for local services.

The changes include imposing charges for all car parks in Aldeburgh all year; bringing in charging for The Hill, Wickham Market and restricting the blue badge concession for free parking for disabled people to two hours.

Under the proposals, motorists parking for up to four hours will be the hardest hit. In Pier Bight, Pier Front and at the Spa, Felixstowe, the rise is from £1.50 to £3 and in Arwela Road, Felixstowe, the rise is from 80p to £2.

However, in Woodbridge, there will be no change in The Avenue, Station and Station Road car parks for up to four hours' parking.