An increase in parking charges has been described as “the last thing we need when trying to regenerate the town centre”.

Both politicians and traders have criticised the rise, fearing potential shoppers will cut the time they spend in Gravesend.

The move, introduced by the Gravesham Independent Conservatives, has come under fire from its rival Conservative party.

According to its leader, Cllr Leslie Hills, the town has seen a 10% reduction in footfall in the last year and has 250 vacant commercial properties.

Cllr Hills said: “When the Conservative Party was elected to Gravesham council in 2015, it provided free Saturday parking and has frozen charges every year since.

“Gravesham’s new Independent Party, which was never elected as such, has now increased parking charges.

“We have the smallest economy in Kent with lower than average incomes.

“Bluewater shopping centre is just a short distance away with free parking, and we have several out-of-town supermarkets.

“The Conservative Party is strongly opposed to these unnecessary increases, which are the last thing that businesses and shoppers need.”

Graham Broadbent, 31, owns Marie’s Tea Room and Marie’s Emporium in the High Street.

He said: “It’s interesting because I’ve had a look at parking charges in local towns, going as far as Maidstone, and we are one of the cheaper ones for council-run car parks.

“I am concerned people won’t hang around in town as long because of the charges going up. With the current regeneration plans, the High Street will be losing the car parks behind us, and we’re also worried about what impact that could have.

“I’m hoping in the future we can extend the free parking on Saturdays, and I know that’s something a lot of people are interested in.”

The tariffs will see prices in short stay car parks increase to £2 for up to two hours, £3.80 for up to four hours and £7.50 for more than four hours - affecting Parrock Street, Rathmore Road, Market Square, Horn Yard and West Street.

However, drivers will still be allowed up to two hours of free parking on a Saturday.

Long stay car parks in Milton Place, Ordnance Road and the Gurdwara will see charges increase to £5 for more than four hours.

Mohamed Sadik, 40, who owns clothing store Rose Petals in the St George’s centre, thinks lowering parking charges would be a good incentive for customers.

He has worked with the privately-owned St George’s car park to offer discounted tariffs to shoppers.

Those who spend more than £5 at Rose Petals receive £1 off their parking fee, and anyone who spends more than £10 is given a discount of £2.

He said: “I’ve been here one year and two months, and the first thing I noticed was that people were complaining about car parking.”

A council spokesman said: “The new tariffs are still among the lowest in Kent with incentives such as two hours free parking on Saturdays, free parking each evening, overnight and all day Sundays. There are also a range of discount schemes for town centre workers.”