Over the past two months, at least 16 councils have either proposed, approved or implemented price increases in their town centre car parks as they look for ways to ease their own financial constraints.

Price rises vary across the country with many councils increasing prices from 20p up to £4, analysis by online parking portal YourParkingSpace.co.uk found.

Norwich City Council raised its parking fees at its St Andrew’s multi-storey by 66% from £6 to £10 for shoppers staying for more than five hours.

Bath and North East Somerset Council also introduced increased fees at all of its short and long-stay parking with price rises varying between 10p and £2.10, up 14%.

Some councils have also agreed to introduce price increases during the evening, putting further pressure on town centres.

An increase of more than 4,200 private parking spaces

YourParkingSpace chief executive Harrison Woods said: “Councils are currently faced with such tight budgets. The recent Autumn Statement by the chancellor Jeremy Hunt will not have allayed their fears with it looking like they will be getting a real-terms cut when compared to inflation rates which currently stand at 11%.

“I expect many more councils to hike their prices over the coming months as they try to claw back their deficits. Although the rises may seem minimal at first glance, it is another rise the public is being forced to face, especially when every penny counts right now.”

Woods said he has seen an increase of more than 4,200 private parking spaces added to his portal in the last three months as owners cash in on the opportunity to offer their space to shoppers.