INCREASES in car parking charges in a town centre are to be limited following public objections.

Charges in some of Hartlepool's car parks were set to be doubled after councillors approved a package of measures last year.

But following complaints from residents about the proposals, the council has agreed to limit the rises.

The original proposals were to double charges to 20p for 30 minutes parking in the town centre and 40p for two hours.

Objectors complained that plans to charge £5 for more than four hours parking at the multi-storey car park would hit long-stay commuters.

At a meeting of the Regeneration Board the council decided to limit the long-stay increase to £3.

Councillor John Coward, of the Regeneration Board, said: "We were happy to consider the objectors' views and felt that the £3 charge was a good compromise.

"The aim of the increased charge is to release more short-stay parking spaces for shoppers in the multi-storey, but we are not neglecting long-stay commuters.

"They will be able to park for £1.50 a day at Mill House, Albert Street, Dover Street and Eden Street which are within five minutes walk of the town centre.

"Workers can also buy annual passes for the Albert Street, Dover Street and Eden Street car parks for £115 a year, the equivalent of around 50p a day."