NEW charges for car parks in the centre of Princes Risborough have been condemned by town councillors.

Members of Princes Risborough Town Council criticised the charges at a meeting on March 27 because they believe fewer motorists will now use the car parks and instead leave their vehicles on the road, causing more traffic congestion.

Cllr John Coombs said parking on roads was a big problem and added: "The Crescent is an area where parking has become a nightmare."

Wycombe District Council, which set the charges, has increased the cost of parking in The Mount car park.

It now costs 20p for an hour (previously 20p), 40p for two hours (previously 30p), 60p for three hours (previously 40p) and £2 for eight hours (previously £1.50).

A two-hour stay in Horns Lane car park has also gone up from 60p to 80p

Chris Oliver, chairman of the council's planning environment and transportation committee said:"We have done this to encourage those who wish to park for two hours to use The Mount and so release more space at Horns Lane for shoppers who need to park at this end of town for a short time."

But chairman of the town council David Allworth said if the district council wanted shoppers to use The Mount for short-stay parking, they could make it free.

He said: "It's diabolical. We have public toilets by an A-class road and you have to pay to park to use it."