TRADERS today praised the council for a proposal which could freeze Weymouth and Portland car parking charges for 2009-2010.

Councillors are set to act after being told car park revenue for the year to March 2009 is predicted to fall short by £300,000, raising about £1.5 million instead of an expected £1.8 million.

Poor weather, higher fuel costs, people switching from cars to free concessionary bus travel and the credit crunch are blamed for the drop.

Members of next Tuesday's borough council management committee will receive a report showing short stay parking revenue is on track but long stay parking revenue is lower than hoped for.

Finance spokesman Coun Peter Chapman said members would discuss a possible charges freeze.

He said: "Charges need to be realistic and affordable. The evidence suggests that any increases in long term parking charges would be counter productive and ineffective.

"We also want to make sure that income from shorter stay visitors remains buoyant, especially as many short stay customers are using the town centre shops."

The idea of a freeze on charges delighted George Afedakis, chairman of the borough's chamber of commerce, industry and tourism, who said: "This will be wonderful news if it happens.

"It is what has been needed for a long time and something the chamber has regularly asked the council to do.

"Stable charges will encourage people to use car parks again which will be good news for every shopping outlet in town."

Town Centre Group chairman Shaun Hennessy added: "I think this is a fantastic forward-thinking move from the council.

"It will not only help traders but it will help everyone in the borough who comes into Weymouth to shop.

"A year with no increase will be a tremendous boost to the town's economy and people's pockets."

The move comes after calls by the chamber for a shake-up of car parking. Ideas have included more pay-on-exit car parks and motorists being able to top up their tickets by telephone.

Transport spokesman Coun Christine James said: "We want to make sure car parks are well used and will be reminding the chamber of their commitment to work with the council regarding the possibility of experimental schemes which could lead to improvements in some of the car parks."

But the move could place added pressures on the council.

Management committee chairman Coun Mike Goodman said: "The shortfall in revenue may be met through revised expenditure on car park staffing levels and other potential cost-cutting measures across the whole council operation.

"We will set a balanced budget both to complete this financial year and for 2009-2010.

"We also intend to resist pressure for council tax rises to increase sharply."