A CAMPAIGN has been launched to fight plans for new parking charges in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Residents and small businesses are unhappy about a Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) decision to introduce a £30 annual fee for residents' parking permits.

Previously, a permit for the authority's 11 car parks was free.

The campaign has been launched by Pat Lashmar, who runs Abbots Thorn Bed and Breakfast, in Carlton, Coverdale.

She has begun collecting signatures for a petition against the charge in pubs and shops.

She said: "There are enough problems living in the national park, such as the restrictions on doing things to your property.

"This was a very small concession they gave to residents - they're not going to recoup thousands of pounds in this way."

Mrs Lashmar claims the charge will damage local businesses.

"We often go over to the cafe in the national park car park at Aysgarth Falls during the week," she said. "Local trade keeps her in business through the winter. People aren't going to go if they have to pay £30 for a permit, or £2 for a ticket."

In response, YDNPA's contracts manager, Joyce Whitley, said: "It's unfortunate that, after so many years, we have had to introduce an annual parking permit.

"But it does equate to 58p a week, which is very good value for money, especially when you consider it allows the permit-holder to park all day in any one of 11 YDNPA car parks.

"We would stress again that the revenue generated from car parks contributes, not only to the provision of the facilities, but also to the conservation work carried out in the national park."

The park intends to introduce the charge on April.

Freee permits willill still be available in exceptional circumstances, where a resident has no alternative but to use a national park car park.

National park members were told the North York Moors National Park charges £25 a year, but residents are restricted to one nominated car park.