HITCHIN Anger is rising over a hike in car park charges in and around our town this week.[.B]

As Hitchin Nub News reported last month parking your car in Hitchin will cost motorists more.

NHDC say all but one of the prices for the remaining tariffs will increase by 20p or less, with some increasing by just 5p.

However, the cost of season tickets will rise by 6%, equating to a £5 increase on a one-month Season Ticket and a £43 increase on a 12-month season ticket over the current 2019-20 prices.

Drivers, as well as visitors to our town centre - including shoppers aiming to spend money in Hitchin's renowned independent shops - are distinctly unimpressed, taking to NHDC social media threads to share their displeasure.

Adele Cushing wrote: "Why not free parking? I prefer to shop in towns that have free parking as it indicates to me forward thinking from the council and a welcoming environment.

"At the very least first 60 mins free would entice more visitors I'm sure.

NHDC responded by saying: "Parking charges help to manage demand for off street parking and also encourage the use of more sustainable forms of transport like buses. The cost of parking for up to one hour will remain the same at all of our car parks."

The council says they are also looking into the viability of a trial pay on exit parking scheme and hope to announce further details in the coming months, with a similar looked at for EV Charging in council car parks.

NHDC also insist they are continuing to invest in car parks locally, including installing new more reliable and far more energy efficient lifts in the Lairage Car Park in Hitchin.

However, resident Joe Davis was not happy. He wrote on the NHDC thread at the price hike which will impact on Hitchin businesses: "This is like trying to put out a bonfire by catching the flames.

"Businesses have gone bust because of the move to online by more and more consumers."

While another resident, Nick Mather added: "Just ditch town centre parking charges (for under two hours) and lower town centre business rates.

"Or stay stuck in the dark ages while everyone shops at retail parks and Tesco extra."

NHDC replied, saying: [I]"Parking charges help to manage demand for off street parking and also encourage the use of more sustainable forms of transport like buses.

"The cost of parking for up to one hour will remain the same at all of our car parks."

However a far from placated Mr Mather replied: [I]"And how's that working out for you so far? Town centre buses are always empty and there are no good shops on the high street. Everyone's losing."[.L]