A consultation has been launched over a proposed 25 per cent increase parking charges.

In a report to Epping Forest Distrcit Council's cabinet outlining an increase annual revenue of £160,000, a rise for parking longer than two hours from £2.80 to £3.50 is suggested.

It is also proposed that parking for up to two hours should rise to £1.60.

The price of parking for over three hours in a short stay car park will reach £10, up from £9.

Free parking in town centres on Saturdays will remain as will free parking in all car parks on every Saturday in December.

The £160,000 projected revenue is £20,000 below the requirement set out in the budget for next year, after tax to central government is taken into account.