WILTSHIRE County Council has revealed details of its plans to push commuters into car parks by reducing the amount of all day free on-street parking in Devizes.

The proposal comes as Kennet District Council considers raising parking charges, which could mean the all-day charge at the Station Road car park rising from £1.50 to £4.

The county council's plans involve targeting commuters who park all day near The Crammer in Estcourt Street, Nursteed Road, Couch Lane and the top of Rotherstone by the Cemetery Lodge. If the proposals are passed motorists who park in these roads will only be able to do so for two hours.

County council principal traffic engineer Peter Harris said the proposals were aimed at helping shoppers and tourists to find parking places.

Another part of the proposals is abolishing the disc system in central streets, which allow motorists to park for 90 minutes, to a new restriction of one hour.

The proposals are currently out for public consultation. Changes could be brought in before or after Christmas.

Kennet District Council's community development policy committee will decide on Tuesday on how much to raise the parking charges in Devizes.

Devizes Chamber of Commerce met on Monday night and confirmed its absolute opposition to an increase.

Chamber chairman Jo Edwards said: "As a rural community cars play an important part in our economy. By raising charges as suggested we believe local businesses will suffer, some may close and no new ones will be attracted."

Mrs Edwards said she was amazed the increases were being proposed following the recent publication of the Retail Revival Strategy.

She added: "The importance of well signed, suitable parking is part of the strategy for reviving the town. Public transport is in no way sufficiently available for people to be drawn away from using their cars. Instead they will be drawn to other towns, both to shop and to work."