A borough council could make almost £200,000 more for parking charges.

Maidstone Borough Council has made the extra money after raising fees at pay and display car parks in a bid to encourage drivers to opt for park and ride outside of the town at the beginning of last year.

Fees in the centre of town increased by at least £1.40 for a stay of up to three hours while the price of short trips under an hour were reduced,

The head of finance at Maidstone, Ellie Dunnet, has predicted the council will collect almost £4m in fees this financial year, which starts in April.

A report by the borough council, which is due to be discussed next week, has listed the proposed fees and charges for 2019/20.

These charges include a predicted £3.9m from pay and display car parks such as Lockmeadow, Brewer Street and Sittingbourne Road.

On top of this the council estimate they will receive £864,660 from penalty charge notices, based on £841,598 collected last year.

However there is good news for motorists as the council has no plans to increase fees until April 2020.

Councillors will decide on these plans at the strategic planning, sustainability and transportation committee at the town hall next Tuesday evening.