THE cost of parking a car outside your own home is to rise by 67 per cent.

The proposals, contained in this year's council budget, would see Redbridge residents charged £50 instead of £30 a year for a single car, and £70 instead of £50 for a second car, while the price for any subsequent vehicle would go up from £50 to £90.

People living in Mulberry Way in South Woodford originally agreed to the creation of a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) because of their proximity to the Tube station, but have not agreed to pay more.

"It's horrendous," said Laura Piercy-Farley. "Astonishing, because the Council Tax has already gone up, and we have not been notified of any proposed change."

Helen Atkinson has two cars in her family, and often has to park in neighbouring roads because she cannot find a space.

She said: "If there was any possibility of guaranteeing a space I would be comfortable with it, but we are paying for something we don't really get."

Her neighbour Angela Huxley said she would resent paying more for what she used to do for free.

She added: "I can see why it's useful, but not if it's costing us a lot of money, and 67 per cent is absolutely not on."

Price increases are also planned for business and residents' parking permits.

Former Bridge ward councillor Morris Hickey raised the issue at the latest area two committee meeting.

He said: "The level of charges proposed here is quite frankly extreme. I see no justification for them other than revenue raising exercises. The council is just seeing local residents as a cash cow."

Roding ward councillor Ian Bond said the scheme was supposed to be self-financing and not raise more money than was necessary to pay for the scheme.

He added: "We are already making money from the scheme and I think it is very peculiar that the residents' parking increases by 67 per cent where as all the season tickets and business permits are going up by five and ten per cent."

Redbridge Council maintains the price rise would generate an additional £50,000 a year after allowing for inflation and a potential reduction in demand.

Monkhams ward councillor Linda Huggett said: "We are at a competitive level with the neighbouring boroughs and there will be no detrimental impact on blue badge holders who will continue to receive free parking."

The budget will be agreed by full council in March.