A PETITION has been set-up urging Herefordshire Council to review its "bonkers" decision to increase car park prices across the county.

Robert Williams fears the rises will affect independent businesses and wants to force the local authority into a re-think.

Dozens of people have already signed the 27-year-old's petition which he plans to hand to the council's Cabinet member for transport and roads, Cllr Paul Rone, in due course.

"I know the council has to make money but I think this will really affect people," said Mr Williams, who is 27 and lives in Three Elms, Hereford.

"Everyone I've spoken to about it is not happy.

"Many places are struggling to fill shops. It just seems bonkers to me and I think the council should be held accountable."

Mr Williams says independent traders who don't have their own websites could be among the hardest hit, along with lower paid workers.

"If you are on the minimum wage then you would have to work 45 minutes just to park your car at the Merton Meadow, where it now costs £5," he said.

As previously reported by the Hereford Times, more than 40 council-operated car parks around the county have been affected by the parking charges.

Motorists face a £13 charge to leave their vehicle for the day in the Gaol Street, West Street and Maylord Orchards car parks, plus the Shirehall on a Saturday.

Hereford Mayor, Cllr Charles Nichols, last week warned the move would "shut the centre of town down".

Meanwhile, residents in Moorfields, one of the few inner city areas without a residents' parking scheme, say the changes have resulted in the streets behind the Courtyard becoming more congested.

The council says the changes are aimed at "maintaining economic prosperity, changing travel behaviours and reducing congestion during the morning commute".

The petition can be viewed at https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/unfair-car-parking-charge-increase-in-herefordshire