Parking permits will no longer be free and parking charges are likely to rise in the County Town.

Full pay and display charges could be imposed on Sundays, and there will be no more free on-street parking for shoppers if proposals go ahead.

The measures could be imposed as early as January as Maidstone council attempts to raise extra cash to help it cope with the credit crunch.

The council says the permit charges will ensure that people can park closer to their homes.

If approved the plan would mean:

Homeowners would no longer get their first parking permit free – it would now cost £25. A second permit would also cost £25 and the third would be £50.

The normal weekday pay and display charges would also be imposed on Sundays.

On-street parking bays will have their waiting time reduced, and new charges will be introduced. It would cost 35p for half an hour, and 70p for an hour.

The measures are outlined in a report published this week. A consultation is expected to be carried out with residents during December, and many of the proposals could be enforced by January.

The issue is due to be debated by a council scrutiny committee on Tuesday, December 2.