PARKING charges are set to rise in council car parks across Rochford at the same time as hi-tech ticket machines are installed giving drivers more flexibility.

Despite the modest hike, council bosses have resisted the temptation to introduce fees at council-owned car parks at tourist hotspots, such as Cherry Orchard Jubilee Country Park or Hockley Woods.

Keith Hudson, Conservative councillor responsible for transport, said: “I don’t believe that is something for which we should be charging.

“These are facilities for the residents. They should remain so.”

Councillors backed plans to up prices elsewhere. The move is expected to raise about £57,000 to offset the impact of the Government’s public spending cuts.

From October, the cost of parking for an hour in council-owned car parks will rise from 60p to 80p.

The two-hour charge will increase from £1.20 to £1.40, and the three-hour fee will increase from £1.80 to £2.

Councillors also agreed to bring back a half-hour 40p charging band.

However, Mr Hudson said the time slots would become largely irrelevant as the result of new hi-tech machines, which will issue tickets for the appropriate duration of time based on whatever sum of money is inserted.

Therefore, if a driver only has a £1 coin, they will receive one hour and 20 minutes parking rather than simply one hour.

The machines will also accept debit cards and mobile phone payments, allowing motorists to extend their stay without returning to the car park.

Mr Hudson said: “Whatever coinage you put in above the minimum of 40p, you will get the appropriate amount of time credited to you for your stay in our car parks.”

Council chiefs also plan to crack down on employees of recruitment firm Seetec, which is based near Hockley Woods, from exploiting the free car park. They want the company to agree to pay an annual fee for its use.

If Seetec refuses, Mr Hudson said the council could introduce time limits on the parking.

Similar measures could be taken in the free council-owned Freight House car park in Bradley Way, Rochford, to deter commuters.