Following a legally required six-week advertising campaign to make residents aware of Huntingdonshire District Councils plans to up the cost of parking in Huntingdon, St Neots and St Ives, official objections were received from a number of individuals and organisations.

Objections included letters from the Chamber of Commerce, the Deputy Mayor of Huntingdon, the Federation of Small Businesses and Huntingdon Town Partnerships.

But Cabinet memebrs decided to press ahead with plans for the rise.

Cabinet member Cllr Deborah Reynolds said: "Nobody likes an increase, but if we increased them every year it wouldn't be good housekeeping.

"We don't want to do it, but times move on and we all have to do more."

The charges will be going up to as much as £3 for four hours in some short-stay car parks, including Sainsburys car park in Huntingdon and Waitrose car park in St Neots, and new costs will be incurred at the Riverside Car Park in Huntingdon and the Bridge Street car park in Godmanchester, both long-stay.

Cllr Terry Rogers, Cabinet member for finance, said: "The whole purpose is to encourage a very quick turnover of the car parks.

"What we want to do is encourage people who are going to park longer to park in the appropriate place. If we can achieve what this paper states, I think it would be good for the town."

The charges have already been out to public consultation and through Cabinet procedures more than once, after being called in for a review.

However, following the initial objections during the consultation, further concerns have been raised over the costs.

Deputy Mayor of Huntingdon Cllr Brian Luckham said the new charges were "excessive", saying they will deter people from visiting the market towns.

Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce fears the current economic climate is already causing considerable difficulties for local businesses, and the Federation for Small Businesses explained Huntingdonshire must compete with their larger neighbouring cities.