Parking charges put shops at risk

GREEDY councils risk driving shoppers away from high streets with sky-high parking fees, says the AA.

Local authorities raked in a record £1.6billion in revenue in the past year.

London boroughs earned most, led by Westminster on £89million.

Brighton & Hove was the only top 10 earner outside the capital.

Charges amount to a stealth tax on drivers, say the AA.

President Edmund King said: “If drivers continue to be hit some will vote with their wheels and start using out-of-town centres or do more shopping online. At a time when the high street is under pressure, more parking incentives are needed to attract, not deter, customers.”

For six months the Mirror has battled for more support for stores under threat from online giants – calling for high business rates to be slashed and free and better parking. And our