Winchester City Council's planned increases in parking permit charges have been described as "iniquitous" and "outrageous."

The council has been accused of failing to explain the rises.

Over 100 people in the Hyde area have signed a petition which will be presented to the council early next week.

Its organiser, John Bourne, of Arlington Place, said in the letter to the parking manager, Basil Davies: "Various indices are in the low, single-digit figures. How then can you propose increases for residents of 33% and 233% respectively?

"To pay £50 for the benefit of having an occasional visitor parking close to one's own home is outrageous.This is Winchester, not central London."

Mr Bourne said the reasons for the changes had not been clearly conveyed to city centre residents.

Mal Bennett, of Wordsworth Close, described the proposed increases as "grossly excessive".

"The charges are outrageous and unjust. The second permit is especially excessive-an increase of £35."

In addition, he said, the increase across the range was a "massive" £80.

The increases were "indicative of Winchester City Council's inability to economically manage the parking permit system," he said.

A city council spokesman said that a report to the informal parking scrutiny review group in November had recommended that the system of on-street parking permits should be "cost-neutral" and reflect its cost to the council.

This recommendation was later agreed by the city's cabinet.

The intention of the changes was to ensure that those who benefited from the parking scheme paid for it and that residents outside the zone did not now sponsor those within it.

Objections to the increases may be made to Stephen Whetnall, City Secretary and Solicitor, Colebrook Street, SO23 9LJ, by April 25th.