MOTORISTS in Darlington could face a rise in parking charges from April.

Darlington Borough Council is proposing to increase penalties in off-street and residents' areas for drivers who park illegally.

The council's development and environment committee has recommended that parking charges should be brought into line with charges levied by the police.

This would mean that motorists parking in a residential zone would pay double the current charge of £30.

If they pay within 14 days the charge will be £30, an increase of £10.

For off-street parking, the penalty will rise from £50 to £60 and, if paid within 14 days, the present £25.

The proposed charges, which would take effect from April 1, will be decided at a cabinet meeting at Darlington town hall on January 15.