ANGRY drivers from Brentwood have discovered that they no longer have a residents discount and must pay for a minimum of two hours to park their car in the William Hunters Way Car Park.
Brentwood Borough Council introduced new charges on Monday, February 11 and two days later launched a 'Phone and Pay' system which means that drivers can pay by phone rather than using ticket machines. The lowest rate that parkers can now pay is £1.30 which allows them to stay for two hours in the car park situated on William Hunter Way, Brentwood.
Jan Brooker, 68, from Hutton, said: "A minimum two hour stay is too big as I only ever want half an hour at the most and I think it's outrageous that the residents' discount no longer counts."
Susan Tossun, 46, Beauty Therapist of Blackmore, said: "It's ridiculous I'm only going to be ten minutes.
"This just makes it expensive for people who want to park safely and do the right thing."
Thabo Sithole, 40, of Rollason Way, said: "I only found out a week ago and I don't think it's fair that we have to pay for two hours. People come out just to go to the bank for ten minutes and don't want to stay that long."
Kelly Saunders, 34, from Warley, said: "It's not good for residents and having to pay for two hours is unfair when it's more than you need.
"The actual charge is still quite cheap but it would be better to have a shorter option."