AN increase in parking charges at coastal car parks in the New Forest is under fire.

Hourly charges will rise at three popular seaside car parks in Lymington and Keyhaven by more than 15 per cent.

The price of annual season tickets for about 15 car parks will also increase for both residents and visitors.

Sean Crane, who runs the ferry service between Keyhaven and Hurst Castle, said: "This is absolutely disgraceful. It will put us all out of business. They keep piling on these charges."

Mr Crane said he is currently also fighting against potential ferry charge increases and the potential effect of both rises will spell economic disaster for his business, which also manages the castle.

He said visitor numbers have been steadily declining in recent years because it is becoming too expensive for families.

Maureen Robinson, leader of the opposition Liberal Democrat group on New Forest District Council, said: "NFDC should listen carefully to what the tourist industry has to say about increases in charges because they are the people who know their business best."

The new charges come into force on March 1 and run until October 31. At the car parks in Keyhaven Road in Keyhaven and Quay Road and Bath Road in Lymington it will now cost £1.50 to park for up to two hours, £3 for up to four hours, £4.50 for up to six hours and £6 for a whole day.

However hourly rates at car parks in Barton on Sea, Calshot and Milford on Sea will remain the same. The cost of season tickets at all five areas will jump from £36.50 to £38 for residents and £42 to £44 for non-residents.

John Bull, NFDC parking manager, said: "We are only increasing charges at the three car parks because they are the most popular and where there is most pressure for spaces.

"Because they are the largest percentage of our income we only need to increase those and the price of season tickets to make sure we keep pace with inflation."

Council leader Mel Kendal said: "Does an elderly person, who lives alone on a state pension in Copythorne, want to pay for someone's trip to the beach?"

The total increase in car park charges is 4.2 per cent, just above inflation which currently stands at about three per cent.