Traders gathered to share their concerns over “unfair” plans for parking charges to be introduced in a town centre.

Three Rivers District Council is proposing one hour of free parking in eight short-stay car parks in Rickmansworth with a new fee of £1 to park for a further hour.

Visitors to the town will also be able to pay £2.50 to park for three hours and £4 for four hours.

However, more than 1,300 people have signed a petition set up by Cllr Paula Hiscocks, who represents Rickmansworth Town Ward, over fears the charges will “deter customers”.

There is also concern that Rickmansworth has been singled out over the fees - particularly as Cllr Sara Bedford, leader of Three Rivers District Council, campaigned to prevent her Abbots Langley ward being saddled with car park charges in 2015.

Ruth Scott, from Frog Financial Management, said: “As a business owner in Rickmansworth town centre, the proposed new parking chargers are a real worry.”

Ivana Swan, who owns Swan Windows, in Bury Lane, added: “This could be another reckless decision that will be made about our town without any consultation.”

Cllr Hiscocks called the proposals “damaging” and said: “One hour is hardly time to pop into a couple of shops let alone stop for a chat or a coffee.

"Many young parents and older people meet in the coffee shops, see films at Watersmeet as well as buying from the local shops.

“If we have a true democracy all councillors must listen to residents, businesses and shoppers in this consultation and re think this damaging and unfair decision.”

Shirish Chauhan, chairman of Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce, added: “Proposed parking restrictions will make it easier for consumers to head for large supermarkets and shopping centres with free parking for their all shopping requirements.”

Cllr Bedford responded: “The council has carried out a review of car parking in the District in conjunction with an external parking specialist. We aim to increase the turnover and therefore availability of parking spaces, leading to more footfall in shopping areas, and also to close the gap on out parking account, which legally should break even.

“There are no changes to the charging structure for long term parking, and therefore staff working locally will not be affected. The main change of still allowing one hour free, but charging for subsequent hours, will still leave Rickmansworth’s parkers better off than in neighbouring towns, where no free parking is available.

“The council agreed over a year ago that all areas of the District would be looked at in terms of changes to parking. Those areas which have the greatest demand, largely due to the location of railway stations, are being reviewed first, but all locations will be reviewed in turn.

“Residents’ Parking Zones have been installed in a number of locations, almost entirely in Rickmansworth and Chorleywood, at the request of residents. If Cllr Hiscocks would like to see those removed, she is at liberty to request that.”

Payment will also be accepted only by credit or debit card as new machines that do not accept cash could be introduced in all car parks in the town.

Car parks where charging is intended to be introduced in Rickmansworth include:

• Ebury House car park

• High Street (West) car park

• Northway multilevel upper and lower level car parks

• Rose Garden car park

• Talbot Road (West, North side) car parks

• Three Rivers House multilevel

The proposed parking places order can be viewed before February 5 at threerivers.gov.uk/egcl-page/traffic-order-notices

Any responses must be put in writing and posted to the District Council or emailed to parking@threerivers.gov.uk

To sign cllr Hiscocks’ petition, visit: www.change.org/p/cllr-paula-hiscocks-oppose-the-introduction-of-parking-charges-in-rickmansworth