THE decision to double car parking charges in west Wiltshire could be overturned in the wake of a mass boycott by motorists.

The price of parking across the district rose by 100 per cent just two months ago, leading to many drivers choosing to park on streets rather than pay up.

Jeff Osborn, the council's planning and development portfolio holder, said: "If you look at the Broad Street car park in Trowbridge it is three quarters full because people won't pay for long term parking.

"In my opinion what is the point of charging £3.50 if people won't pay it. They are voting with their cars, doubling it has just forced people out of the car parks."

The charges were unanimously voted in by the previous Conservative majority cabinet, which was overthrown by the Lib Dems last month. From April 1 motorists have been paying £3.50 for all day parking in the district's car parks, compared to the £80 they were paying previously.

Cllr Osborn said: "What we are saying is that perhaps £3.50 is too high.

"We have asked for a report to actually see what impact the rise in parking charges has had and to determine the optimum level at which to set charges."

Fears that shoppers would be discouraged by the charges appear to have been realised in Trowbridge, with traders reporting a downturn in business.

The biggest impact is on workers commuting into towns, who face paying £17.50 a week, £70 a month, to park in an area where wages are often low.

In Trowbridge there are fears the problems could increase as a development project could involve the district council handing over the town's multi-storey car park, where free parking is still available, to developers.

The redevelopment in the town could see the demolition of the 400-space car park by developer Thiyan Investments, who propose replacing it with underground parking, the price of which they will determine.

District councillor Graham Payne said: "It is realistic to predict that any developer will not want any more than short term car parking to be available on any replacement provision, thereby maximising the throughput of visitors to the new complex, so where will the displaced long term parkers be accommodated."

Car parks throughout west Wiltshire have also been earmarked as possible sites for future affording housing development as part of a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) bid for Government funding, including Court Street, Broad Street and Church Street in Trowbridge, Weymouth Street in Warminster and The Conigre in Bradford on Avon.

The district council is due to hold a meeting to decide whether or not to go ahead with this bid at a special meeting on July 19.

The cabinet will be meeting to discuss handing over the multi-storey car park on June 17.