The hike in parking charges has been branded “disproportionate and grossly unfair” amid concerns from drivers that the district council is “punishing those who work”.

To park all day at Easton Street car park in High Wycombe, drivers now have to fork out £9 instead of £5, prompting anger from commuters who use the car park to head to work.

And their concerns have been backed up by Cllr Lesley Clarke OBE, who asked environment chief at Wycombe District Council Cllr Julia Adey to justify the decision.

At full council on Monday night, Cllr Clarke said: “What valid reason, or indeed justification, does the portfolio holder for environmental services have for the gross imbalance of parking charge increases across Wycombe District?

“With some car parks in High Wycombe town facing increases from 13 per cent to a whopping 62.5 per cent, Bourne End seeing an increase on their one car park of 59.8 per cent, Princes Risborough on their two car park alone of 39.8 per cent and 44.2 per cent respectively, yet the good people of Marlow have the lowest increase from 15.5 per cent to a mere 30.1 per cent. This appears to be not only disproportionate but grossly unfair.”

Commuters who park in Easton Street car park and then head to work say they are being punished by the price increases.

Complaining to WDC, Chris Ebbs said: “How can you justify the price rise for Easton street car park? I work in town and have to park there. As a result I am going to have to pay an extra £20 a week. I cannot afford that. Thank you for punishing those who work.” You should be ashamed.”

Sarah McGrory said: “Are you serious? £5 to £9 per day to park at Easton Street overnight with no warning. Why the excessive charges and no warning?”

Charlie Crosby added: “Please could someone explain the 80 per cent increase in parking charges at Easton Street? We haven’t had an 80 per cent salary increase? How does that help bring people to the High Street?”

Cllr Julia Adey reinforced that this is the first parking charge increase in council-owed car parks for 10 years and said the decision to hike them up “isn’t taken lightly and they are never welcomed”.

She said: “Parking charges in the district have not kept up with inflation or compared to neighbouring towns. These increases will help us to bring our charges back in line with neighbouring towns.”

and ensure the service pays for itself, rather than expecting residents to subsidise users through higher council tax.

“The council continues to take a proactive role in supporting the town centre so that it can continue to thrive, and the additional income will make it easier should we need to expand our car parks. In respect of Easton Street in particular, the increased charges will help to pay for the considerable cost of refurbishing or replacing a facility which is coming to the end of its design life.”

She also highlighted how the Park and Ride at Handy Cross is currently free and is a “cheaper alternative” to Easton Street.