A CAMPAIGN has been launched to oppose the increase to parking charges in Weymouth.

The chamber of commerce has launched a petition with the support of the Weymouth BID hoping to reverse the decision.

It comes amid new government legislation which enables residents and local firms to demand their council reviews parking in their area, including charges. The measures say councils should not use parking for profit.

The decision by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council to hike up parking charges by up to 40 per cent was met by an angry reaction and went through despite a last-minute effort to defer the decision.

Appealing to the public, Michelle Hind, president of Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce, said: “I want you to get on board with me."

She added: At the moment I just want to get the petition out to as many people as possible.

“For too long now parking in Weymouth and Portland has been a cash cow for the local authority and times simply have to change.

“Whilst the chamber appreciates the council's financial situation it is simply not acceptable to deal with them by driving motorists out of town through increased car parking charges.”

Cllr Christine James, spokesman for transport and infrastructure at the borough council said: "I've heard about it. I’m not sure what they will achieve.

"I said they need to come in together to sort things.

"I want to sit down with them and the parking manager and see what we can do."

BID Manager Nigel Reed said: “If there is a business petition going on, we’re all supportive of getting behind that.

“Anything that makes them focus on thinking out more sensibly makes sense.”

Nigel Lacey of Lacey’s Guesthouse, wants the public, as well as businesses to get behind the petition.

He said: “If you read the notice for parking a percentage of the general public have to vote.

“The more you charge the less people come in to town. A lot of our guests have said parking costs are horrendous here.”

The chamber recently described the decision to increase charges as ‘ludicrous’ whilst the BID said it felt like the council were ‘constantly kicking’ them.

The new legislation which also gives drivers a 10 minute grace period when parked in a bay was brought in with the intention of helping local shops and bringing shoppers back in to town centres.

Anyone wishing to sign the petition can do so at www.change.org/p/weymouth-and-portland-borough-council-stop-increasing-car-parking-charges