Charges will 'ruin' market towns

More than 14,000 people in North Yorkshire have signed a petition against plans for parking charges.

Hambleton District Council wants to charge for parking in Northallerton, Thirsk, Bedale and Stokesley.

Northallerton businessman Marcus Grover said: "These are ill-thought-out council proposals, they will be ruinous for our towns."

The council said it would consider views of residents who are due to meet later at Northallerton town hall.

Turnout is expected to exceed the hall's capacity of 180, with arrangements under way for the sound to be relayed outside.

Proposed parking charges range from 50p per day for long stay in Bedale to 40p per hour for short stay in Northallerton and Thirsk.

High fines

Mr Grover believes that shops will close in the towns and villages as a result of the charges.

He told BBC Radio York: "The council needs to realise it's not just the £1 or £2 cost that will put people off, it's the fine of £40 if you are five minutes late."

The council said it was consulting with car park users, businesses, parish and local groups and a consultant firm over the decision to charge.

There are public fears over side street congestion, but the council anticipates that people may consider using different methods of transport.

A final decision will be made in June and charging is planned to come into effect in July 2009.