DRIVERS must brace themselves for a hike in Droitwich car parking charges.

At a meeting last night, Wychavon District Council was set to rubber-stamp plans to increase costs and extend the charging period.

Parking a vehicle on one of Droitwich Spa's short stay car parks will cost residents 50 per cent more if members at the full council meeting agree to add ten pence on to the current 20p charge.

Parking for two hours will cost 50p, instead of 40p, and parking for up to four hours will cost £2, rather than £1.50.

Wychavon also wants Bank Holiday charges introduced and plans to charge motorists at the Lido on Saturdays.

Cllr Peter Pinfield (Lab, Droit.West) has warned that hiking prices will lead to more cars parking on town streets and discourage people from shopping in the Spa.

He said: "We need to encourage people into the town - this policy by the Tory controlled council will do the exact opposite.

"Once again they show they are out of touch with public feeling."

Cllr Eileen Hope (Con, Droit.South) said she would be voting reluctantly in favour of the moves.

She added: "I have never voted for an increase in parking charges but we need to increase our income."