DISABLED rights campaigners have hit out at plans for a new pay-and- display parking system in Fareham which they say will stop them going to the town to shop.

Members of Fareham Access Group are being urged to register their objection to the plans for barriers and an electronic pay system in the multi-storey car park in Osborn Road.

The council has hit back, saying the move comes under mounting pressure from shopkeepers and trade groups to make life more convenient for shoppers, including the disabled.

Campaigner and wheelchair user Lorraine Herrington believes manoeuvring to use the barriers will prove too difficult for many disabled drivers, who may also find they have to pay more because everything is done at a slower pace.

She said: "Even if you can manage to use them it is really hard work. Life is physically difficult enough as it is without making it more so.

"Everything takes a person with disability much longer to do and, therefore, they will have to pay more than others.

"These charges will stop disabled drivers or passengers from coming to Fareham to shop or enjoy the other benefits so will be a huge financial loss to the borough and to businesses."

Council leader Sean Woodward believes the system will benefit shoppers and shopkeepers.

He said: "I would have thought it would be more convenient and also potentially lower people's parking costs.

"At the moment people guess how long they will stay for. They might pay for an hour and then be in a big rush and get a parking ticket, or they might overpay for two or three hours and only stay an hour and a bit.

"This system allows people to shop until they drop, which can only be a good thing.

"There will be no increase in parking charges, but it will reduce crime and increase security and we will be treating disabled people in exactly the same way as we do now."

The new proceedure means drivers stop at a barrier to get a ticket on entering the car park. On their return, they pay at a machine, go to the car and insert the ticket in the exit barrier.