Drivers in Hitchin will soon see a small increase in car parking charges as North Herts Council introduces new fees from 20 April.

The changes will apply to council-run car parks across Hitchin, Letchworth Garden City, Royston and Knebworth, but there are some important details for Hitchin drivers in particular.

Fees will increase by 10p per hour after the first hour of parking in most council-run car parks. However, at Lairage long stay car park in Hitchin, the increase will only apply to the all-day rate, with 10p added to that charge rather than hourly increases.

The popular post-3pm flat rate will remain unchanged, meaning late afternoon and evening parking will cost the same as it does now.

Parking after 6pm, as well as on Sundays and bank holidays, will also continue to be free in council car parks.

Councillor Donna Wright, North Herts Council's Executive Member for Place, said the increase had been kept as low as possible. She said: "North Herts Council continues to work hard to keep car parking fee increases to a minimum. The decision to increase car parking fees slightly has not been taken lightly but will enable North Herts Council to continue delivering our parking services to the high standard our users are used to.

"Parking after 6pm and on Sundays, bank and public holidays will continue to be free. We are continuing conversations with Royston Town Council and Royston First BID regarding potential parking tariff subsidy options in the future."