HOURLY charges in Caradon council's car parks seem set to rise - in order to pay for a concessionary travel scheme which is to be introduced next year.

Options councillors have been studying have involved pushing the hourly rate in car parks such as Liskeard's Sungirt car park in the centre of town, from 30p to 50p - which is how much motorists in cities such as Plymouth have to pay. However, Caradon's cabinet has recommended that instead a rate of 40p for the first hour should be introduced, in line with similar local authorities.

It has been recommended consultation on the rising charges takes place with local councils, Chambers of Commerce and other relevant organisations in time for the December council meeting. Members have stressed the money has to be found for the concessionary travel scheme which has to be funded by Caradon as a statutory requirement.

The cabinet felt the current half hour charge, available in all Caradon's car parks, should only remain in short stay facilities. It is currently 20p, but could rise to 30p. Councillors have recommended two hours of parking should remain, however, at 60p, three hours should increase by l0p to £1 with the four hour and daily charges staying unchanged at £1.20 and £1.40 respectively.

Jane Pascoe, of Liskeard's Chamber of Commerce, urged councillors, when making their final decision, to bear in mind the detrimental effect excessive car parking charges can have on local business. She said: 'In general terms the Chamber always wishes to resist any further increase in car park charges. It is essential that customers are made to feel welcome in the town centre, and exceptionally high car park charges will only serve to divert trade out of town.'

There may be some good news for shoppers who do not mind parking slightly away from the town centre, though. It is thought perhaps the charges in under-used car parks could be dropped, which may see Liskeard's Lower Sungirt fees falling to l0p per hour with 50p all day to encourage more motorists to park there.

The recommendations also include parking permit charges for Liskeard's Westbourne car park rising from £110 to £150 over the next two years - and falling in the town's Rapsons car park from £25 to £20. It is felt summer charges for Millpool, Looe should remain unchanged at 40p per hour, but the all day charge should be raised to £2.50 in line with Newquay. In seasonal car parks the daily fee may well increase to £1.50. It is thought all such measures would generate an additional £51,000 for Caradon.

Also recommended a measure to amend the charging period in coastal car parks to 9am to 7pm, with town car parks staying at 8am to 6pm - with the exception of Looe which should remain at 8am until l0pm.

When decided upon, new charges will be set from April l next year.