CAR parks run by the borough council will cost motorists less to use than privately-run ones, a leading councillor has pledged.

Councillor Cathy Osselton, cabinet member for partnerships, has promised that parking rates on the borough’s sites will remain lower than neighbouring towns, and other local parking providers such as Festival Place.

It is hoped that low charges in car parks such as Anchor Yard, and Joices Yard will help boost visitor numbers in the Top of The Town area.

Cllr Ossleton said car parking charges will not add to council coffers, and money made will cover the cost of providing and maintaining the car parks.

Plans outlined by the borough council point towards an inflation-only increase in ticket prices for council-run car parks and its short stay rates may actually fall.

“I want our car parking charges to strike the right balance between setting a fair rate for motorists but which don’t leave council taxpayers picking up the costs of running the service,” said Cllr Osselton.

Car parking charges are reviewed annually and come into force at the start of the new financial year in April.

Councillors will discuss the actual tariffs in November, before they are put to the full council in February.