Drivers parking in a town centre will soon have to pay to park.

Shoppers parking for longer than one-hour will be charged for parking in Rickmansworth as a result of the ruling Liberal Democrat group's budget being passed at Three Rivers District Council on Tuesday.

The party proposed that shoppers using eight car parks could only park for free for one hour. They will then be charged £1 to park for a further hour, £2.50 for three hours, and £4 for four hours.

The Observer could not confirm when the charges will come into effect.

The budget was passed by 20 votes to 15, despite a petition of more than 1,600 signatures which was delivered to council chairman Cllr Diana Barber.

Shirish Chauhan, chairman of Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce, said it was "disappointing" that protests were ignored.

He said: "'It is hugely disappointing that more than 1,600 voices from the local business and residential communities who signed the petitions were ignored in deciding to go ahead with the proposed parking changes.

"There is already a noticeable decline in both the footfall and number of businesses that manage to run a successful business on Rickmansworth high street. There is a very strong feeling within the business community that these parking changes will add to the further decline of the high street - they will not encourage shoppers to spend time on the high street.

"There is little evidence of any engagement, clear thinking or planning to encourage local businesses to thrive in the community."

Tricia Barker, who works at Cinnamon Square bakery in Church Street, said: "We’re gravely concerned about the detrimental impact the new parking charges will have. One hour free parking will encourage visitors to quickly pop into town to run essential errands and not bother to stop for a coffee or some lunch, which will affect us immensely."

Ruth Scott, who works at finance firm Frog Financial Management in the town centre, added: "As a business in the town, we have not had any consultation or notification about the new parking charges, apart from signs on lamp posts and in the car park."

Conservative councillor Paula Hiscocks described passing the Lib Dem budget as a "tragedy". The Conservatives had proposed two hours of free parking in their budget.

The council's Labour group abstained.

Three Rivers District Council says introducing short-stay charges will help "protect" taxpayers’ money and increase the turnover of vehicles using short-stay parking, making it easier for shoppers and other visitors to find parking. The decision was taken in early 2017 following a detailed study into use of the short-stay car parks in Rickmansworth.

Council leader Cllr Sara Bedford has previously said: "The council has been running parking operations at a loss for a number of years, which is now not allowed.

"In order to bring the finances into balance, and to increase the turnover of parking spaces available for passing trade, limited restrictions are being introduced.

"Almost every council in the country now charges for parking. Three Rivers will continue to offer free short stay parking, which again very few councils offer."

There are no changes to the long-term parking charges.

Car parks that will be affected include Ebury House, High Street (West), Northway multilevel upper and lower level car parks, Rose Garden car park, Talbot Road (West, North side) and Three Rivers House multilevel car park.