CAR parking charges in Southampton have soared by up to 50 per cent.

The first sweeping changes in five years were introduced this week.

In some areas charges have increased for two-hour stays from £1.60 to £2.40.

The proposals were first outlined at the end of last year but legal delays meant the increases have only just been introduced.

Civic bosses said the average rise of car-parking charges across the city was just under ten per cent.

They had originally proposed to charge people to park at night but withdrew the plans after huge protests.

Costs of city centre parking season tickets have risen by about one-fifth.

Costs for a 12-month season have gone up from £1,200 to £1,400 for five-day passes with monthly stays increasing from £100 to £120.

But the delays in introducing the changes have caught many motorists unawares.

Legal secretary Chris Thompson, who works in Carlton Place, said she was shocked to find a two-hour stay in Southampton Street had risen by 80p to £2.40.

She said: "I was absolutely shocked by it.

"It's basically a 50 per cent increase, which in my opinion is absolutely ludicrous.

"I don't think there was much notification at all. There was just a note on the meter saying to take note of a change in charges."

The vice-chairman of the Polygon Community Action Forum, Barbara Baker, said the price rises could stop people coming to Southampton.

"It is bad news for Southampton," she said. "It is going to stop people coming into town."

As previously reported in the Daily Echo, businesses in Southampton will see parking permit charges rise by 400 per cent.

The controversial proposals will mean parking fees charged to firms across the city soar from £50 to £252 per annum.

Board member and former president of the Southampton Chamber of Commerce Barry Watson said: "It is quite steep. I am sure a lot of businesses will be concerned about this.

"It is just another cost that is going up for them, which they will have to recoup somehow."

Residents are also now to be charged £50 for second permits to allow visitors and second vehicles to park outside their homes.

The delay in introducing the general car parking charges in Southampton was caused by the council's Appeal Panel dealing with complaints and queries made when the increases were first put forward.

Councillor Jill Baston, Cabinet member for environment and transport, justified the increases, saying: "We have to take into account the management of parking in the city, such as the costs of things like CCTV and parking attendants."