FOLLOWING the two letters in the Advertiser commenting on the excessive rate charged for one hour’s parking printed on the October 8 and October 14 I would like add these comments.

I too was caught by the extra charge when I went into town. I went to the Brunel car park, was there for approximately 15 minutes, only to find that I was charged £2 for the privilege. At that time there was a paper notice attached to the side of the permanent notice board, but it did NOT cover up the normal rates applicable.

Having emailed Tracey Baker, who is in charge of parking, I was told that “The minimum fee for an hour in our premium town centre car parks has not been raised.” This is correct. The actual rise is 66 per cent for up to 1 hour. If the council really cared they could easily have allowed the rate from one to four hours to be £2, and left the rate up to one hour alone.

I accept that the council has the right to raise fees, but question whether it is right to have two different conflicting signs showing at the same time. In a shop the proprietor having two prices would sell you the product at the lower price. I am in discussion with the RAC about this issue.

KEITH BURKE

Grosmont Drive

Swindon