UNPOPULAR car parking charges have been reduced despite warnings that the move could cost a council thousands of pounds.

Richmondshire District Council sparked an outcry when it doubled rates in some car parks last year. Businesses claimed they lost trade because visitors refused to pay to park their car.

And villagers found that vehicles were abandoned by the road or in front of their house instead of being left in car parks.

In response, councillors have decided to introduce a flat fee of 50p per hour across all the district council-owned car parks.

The maximum charge will be £3 for the full day.

Car parks will no longer be classified as short, medium and long-stay.

Officers have warned the move could cost the authority tens of thousands of pounds and could impact on the council's budget.

But Councillor Linda Curran, who campaigned for the charges to be reduced, said: "If you walk around with your eyes open, you regularly see cars coming into car parks, stopping at the pay booth, then turning around and going out. I think the higher charges meant we were losing money.

"I'm very pleased that we've come up with something that is a lot more sensible.

"Hopefully, I will be proved right and the car park income will go up."

The introduction of charges at car parks which are currently free is also being investigated.

This could mean motorists paying to park at Richmond Swimming Pool and the White Shops, in Catterick Garrison.

Consultation on the issue will be carried out with parish councils, businesses and other organisations which would be affected.

Coun Curran said: "I think people expect to pay when they go to a retail area.

"If it's just going to cost 50p, that's not a lot of money."

This week's decision comes after councillors last month agreed to cut charges in Richmond, Muker and Langthwaite, but not in Leyburn or Hawes.

This decision lead to accusations of unfairness.

The new rates will come in as soon as ticket machines can be altered, which could take up to six weeks.