TRADERS have slammed South Lakeland District Council’s bid to increase parking charges throughout the region.

Cabinet members say they are recommending the changes to keep the district in line with other car park operators, such as the Lake District National Park Authority - but the shadow cabinet has already appealed against the decision.

But businesses fear it will only deter shoppers and tourists from calling in at their towns, and will hit trade during the ongoing recession.

The council says it wants to ensure “a balance is maintained between covering the costs of the service, encouraging residents and visitors to support local businesses and bringing additional income into the council.”

Ralph Spours, chairman of Ulverston Traders Association, said: “We find it absolutely appalling. The efforts that traders and other agencies go to in order to enhance their towns are being penalised time and time again by this indiscriminate raising of the charges.”

Coun Colin Hodgson, leader of the shadow cabinet, said: “We have called in the cabinet’s decision and have asked them to have another look at it.”

If approved by full council, charges at all of the council’s 42 car parks will be increased from April 1.

In Ulverston and Milnthorpe there will be an increase by 20 pence for one hour, 50p for two hours, 70p for three hours, 80p for four hours and the all day tariff will increase by £1.50.

Car parks in Windermere, Bowness, Ambleside, Grasmere, Kendal and Kirkby Lonsdale have received increases of between 10p and £1.00 with Grange over Sands receiving increases of between 10p and £1.50 for all day parking.

A tariff of six hours has also been introduced, costing £5 in Kirkby Lonsdale, Milnthorpe, Ulverston, Kendal and Grange over Sands and £6 in Windermere, Bowness, Ambleside and Grasmere.

A new permit, costing £315 annually, will allow people to park on 37 car parks for for less than a £1 a day, and could be paid for by direct debit over 12 months.

Coun Graham Vincent, portfolio holder for Economic Prosperity and Transport, said: “This easier payment system is being introduced to help residents meet the permit cost more easily, and if they wish it is a system that can be continued year on year until they no longer require a permit."