Proposals by Swindon Council to reduce parking spaces in the town centre while increasing parking charges in those areas where parking remains have angered the Federation of Small Businesses.
The FSB, which represents 800 businesses in the borough, suggests these proposals will have a direct effect on the viability of small businesses, creating a double whammy of extra costs.
It claims any reduction in parking spaces will encourage a further migration of shoppers out of town.
And it says that increased parking charges for small business proprietors and their staff will bite deeply into profit margins.
FSB branch treasurer Peter Simpson, of Link Radio Cars in Highworth, said: "This is another hammer blow for small businesses.
"How can we be expected to continue trading in an environment that continually favours big business?"
Regional organiser Rupert Cox added: "These outlets which drag shoppers out of town centres are not affected by the rating system for private retail car parks, which gives these businesses an unfair advantage over town centre small business."
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