Car parking charges have earned Medway Council more than £5 million during the past two years.

A scrutiny committee is planning to look at the impact of two 10p an hour increases in the past year.

A report to the committee on Wednesday admits that after poor performances, the increases could mean the council will earn even more than it expected.

Rubena Hafizi, Medway’s parking manager, said when the first increase was made in November last year there were 300 complaints. But the second increase, in August, only brought in 10 complaints.

The council spent £19,000 implementing the changes, expected to raise £200,000 in extra income, but more than doubled that with £438,905 from parking.

The report says it is helping the council to manage 40 per cent increases in energy charges, and to maintain the car parks to a high standard.

Regeneration director Robin Cooper said: “The increase in parking charges is beneficial to the community as the council is able to provide a better service.

“The increased tariff charges has brought Medway Council closer to neighbouring councils but as other districts have raised their tariffs, Medway still remains one of the lowest charging authorities in Kent.”

Car parking brought in more than £250,000 to the council for the first time in December last year.

Last month a new record was set with drivers paying £265,195.