Raised parking prices have been caused by a declining demand for local car parks according to Warwick District Council.

The council has defended its decision to raise parking fees in 2022 saying fewer season tickets are now being purchased because more people are working from home.

And with the council needing to "cover the costs" it said it had to raise fees in all its car parks.

"These changes have been made in response to the changing habits of visitors and shoppers and the effects of increased hybrid working which has reduced the demand for season tickets," a WDC spokesperson said to Nub News.

"This is coupled with the need to cover the costs of maintaining, operating and ensuring the safety of these facilities for which the council receives no other income."

WDC's full council approved the new rates in November 2021, scrapping the cheaper Sunday tariffs and 30-minute payments.

But residents have hit back at the "damaging" impact more expensive parking could have on local businesses.

One resident said: "I understand WDC needs to generate money but surely it's about time we supported our local small retailers with free parking for their customers and charged the larger out of town shops instead."

Shoppers have also been left frustrated at the new cashless ticket machines which can be much slower.

But WDC said the shift away from cash payments would benefit residents.

"At the same time the council has made additional adjustments to align the charging structure of all off-street car parks in the district," the spokesperson added.

"The introduction of one-hour incremental parking rates and the phasing-in of cashless parking and new ways to pay including RingGo (app, call, text or online), contactless by credit/debit cards and Apple Pay will ensure the council's parking facilities are more flexible and user-friendly."