CAR parking in Petersfield just got more expensive – as controversial fees were agreed by councillors. A two-hour stay in town centre car parks will rise from 70p to 90p – an increase of 28 per cent – while the fee for the same duration in out-of-town car parks rises from 30p to 40p. Arguably most controversially, East Hampshire District Council is imposing charges on Sundays at its Petersfield car parks for the first time. The new charges are due to take effect from April 1. It is the first time in four years that such an increase in charges has been imposed, although councillors were wary that such costs could put people off visiting the town. Elizabeth Cartwright said: "I am sure people go away from Petersfield because they cannot park." EHDC expect to generate around £170,000 extra income per year as a result of the additional charges. Mrs Cartwright added: "Nobody likes a change, but I would remind the public that this is the first time in four years they (car parking charges) have gone up."
