CAR parking charges in Topsham are set to soar by as much as 600 per cent.

But, in contrast, charges in all but the Guildhall and Mary Arches Street in Exeter are to remain the same.

Topsham city councillor, Margaret Baldwin has told the Echo that she is furious about the increases at the Quay and Matthew's Hall and says they are "unreasonable and unfair".

Parking for more than five hours on Topsham Quay currently costs £1.80 but is to rise to £10.80.

Exeter City Council had expected an income of £5,156,850 from car parking this financial year but figures to September show it has brought in 4.6 per cent less than expected.

Cllr Baldwin attended a meeting of the city's executive which is to impose the charges and said: "What shocked me was their total lack of information.

"The executive didn't know how small the car parks are and had no idea how much extra income will come from these changes."

Cllr Rachel Sutton, whose portfolio of responsibility includes car parks, told the meeting it was her understanding that this had been done in part after protests from traders who wanted the increases to encourage more turnover and encourage short stay parking.

Polsloe city councillor Yolonda Henson put forward a motion that the executive think again about the Topsham charges. This was seconded by Cllr Adrian Fullam but was defeated.

Liz Hodges, owner of Topsham's Route 2 cafe bar is horrified at the news.

She said: "That is outrageous. It could devastate business in Topsham.

"Also many residents have to park in these spaces too. It won't be popular."

Jim Kingston, owner of Topsham Wines said: "The problem is that there are not enough car parks here anyway.

"It would not be so bad if they were using this to fund finding space for a new car park but to do this just to put money in the coffers is a joke. People making the decisions don't live in Topsham and putting parking charges up this much will just put another nail in the coffin for traders down here."

Rob Newby, city councillor for Topsham, said: "The council does need to adjust its revenue income but I think this is a bridge too far. I am not saying there should not be increases but this is using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

"In Topsham we have problems with parking as it is and this will just drive people away.

Cllr Newby added: "People expect a small hike but this should be looked at again."