Free parking in a number of town centre car parks is set to be scrapped after just six months.

Earlier this year, Medway Council revealed there would be no charge for drivers in 10 car parks across the Towns from 9am on Mondays.

Speaking at the time, then-leader of the local authority, Cllr Alan Jarrett said the scheme was to encourage people to visit their high streets.

But the council has now said it is no longer feasible.

Cllr Tris Osborne, the portfolio holder covering parking enforcement, said: “Unfortunately, due to the challenging financial situation we have found the council in, we are no longer able to continue the free parking Monday scheme that was introduced in April.

“We recently announced that we would have to make some difficult decisions which least impact our most critical services.”

Last week, KentOnline revealed Medway Council could be facing bankruptcy as a financial report projects it could face budget shortfalls of almost £40 million within two years.

The free parking initiative, which was put in place following a budget meeting in February, will now end on Monday, October 9.

After this date normal parking charges will apply, meaning it will cost motorists up to £5.40 a day.

The car parks affected are The Brook and St John’s in Chatham, Blue Boar Lane and the Cathedral in Rochester, Littlewoods and Balmoral Gardens in Gillingham, Longley Road and The Cricketers in Rainham and Temple Street and Commercial Road in Strood.