Chichester District Council has changed the status of the New Park Road car park from a long stay into a short stay, with new charges of £10 for more than four hours.

Under the car park's status as a long stay it was £2.50.

This has cut down on the number of spaces for commuters parking in the city who were told last week to instead use the Cattle Market car park.

"It's outrageous," said tourist Ian Savage. "It's far too high, it will force tourists not to come into Chichester."

The number of spaces in the car park in New Park Road have been cut to 50 because of the Eastgate Square redevelopment project.

The change in charges has angered drivers who feel they already pay enough to be on the road.

Motorist Jenny Parker said: "It is shameful. I certainly wouldn't pay that. I know we should all be trying to use buses and trains, but it is not always possible.

"There must be better ways of raising money than penalising motorists who already pay money on taxes and insurance."

Bognor Regis resident Stuart Mathieson said: "I wouldn't want to pay that sort of money, you pay enough money on the road as it is."

Billy Burnett from Portsmouth said: "That's ridiculous. I wouldn't pay that to stay here for more than four hours."

There was one positive comment. Matthew Beckett, who is on holiday in the area from Wales, said: "We have come here for the day from Cardiff, and it is a lot cheaper here."

Speaking on behalf of the Chichester Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Iain Shepherd said: "It has long been the chamber's view that we should encourage short-stay within the city, set at four hours, which appears to be the general maximum desired by the shopper and ensures availability of centre spaces during the day without commuters clogging them up."

Chichester District Council parking services manager Mike Lewin said: "This change was intended to encourage it to be used by shoppers and visitors for shorter parking periods, instead of it being full from early morning if it remained available for long-term parking.

"As a result, drivers who wish to park for longer periods and roving season-ticket holders have most probably relocated to the Cattle Market car park.

"This has, of course, placed a greater demand on spaces in this car park.

"However, it is very difficult to assess the total number of vehicles which have relocated to the Cattle Market car park as a result of this change in capacity."



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