A PARKING ticket that can be used in every car park in the district is just one suggestion made by the Chamber of Commerce to curb plans to raise town centre parking charges.

On Friday the chief executive of the Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce, Mike Williams met Chippenham mayor Ross Henning, who made the proposals, to express the chambers' fears and urge the council to reconsider the increases.

Mr Williams is concerned a boost in charges planned for all district council owned car parks could have a damaging impact on the retail sector and the area's economy.

The Chambers of Commerce made suggestions for a low-rate season ticket, cheaper charges for leaving your car for two hours, rather than the first hour free and a parking ticket that can be bought in the morning but used in all the car parks in North Wiltshire throughout the day.

Mr Williams said: "It was a very interesting and constructive meeting.

"They were very open and upfront relating to the issues. We recognise that there are car-parking charges and it's a necessity to look at increase but our concern is the level of increase.

"We need to try and be customer friendly and less confusing."

The first of several suggestions made in the hour-and-a-half long meeting, chaired by Coun Henning, was for long-term parkers.

Mr Williams said parking in a Chippenham car park for five days a week will cost more than £1,000 a year with a season ticket.

But the Chambers of Commerce proposed a reduced rate season ticket, which could be used in any car parks in all North Wiltshire towns.

The idea will be put to the transport-working group at the beginning of February, which will also discuss paying for season tickets quarterly instead of annually or setting up a direct debit from your bank in smaller instalments so the price doesn't hit motorists in one large sum.

Mr Williams continued: "An hour is hardly enough time to go shopping. Whilst it's a gesture it doesn't really help. We have suggested that rather than having a free hour, the first two hours are at a reduced rate.

"We are suggesting 40p or 50p for the first two hours would not be a prohibited rate and give people enough time to do their shopping.

Coun Henning said: "We had a round table discussion and they voiced their concerns, which were noted and will be going to the next working group in February.

"It's not a done deal. We are continuing with the consultation."

The aim is to impose the charge by April 1.