Parking charges will go up at pay and display car parks across Powys - starting from today (Friday, June 28).

Motorists will have to fork out a little more to park at county council-operated car parks as charges rise by 30p, 50p, 70p and 80p depending on the time period.

But the cost of parking permits to use at pay and display car parks will be frozen.

Powys County Council says the increase follows a review of charges to help ease financial pressures and fund key services.

The new pay and display charges will be:

• Up to one hour - £1 (up 30p)

• One to two hours - £2 (up 70p)

• Two to four hours - £3 (up 50p)

• Over four hours - £4 (up 80p)

Large vehicles or those with trailers that take up at least two spaces will be charged double.

Powys County Council says that as well as the ticket cost increase, "simplified" car parking charges will be introduced.

Cllr Phyl Davies, Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “Income from our pay and display car parks is important for the council as it helps support the services that we provide. We believe the new rates are realistic and affordable but will also help the council meet its income targets and support important services.”

“Parking permits are available for regular users of our pay and display car parks. Freezing the charges will provide a greater reduction for the regular car park user,” said Cllr Davies.

“A regular car user parking five days a week, 46 weeks of the year has the potential to save themselves 60% if they purchase an annual permit compared to paying the daily parking charge. This equates to the equivalent of paying just £1.61 a day.”