Walkers and outdoor fans in the Peak District face increased charges for using the authority's car parks

Car parking charges in official Peak District locations are set to rise by up to 66 per cent.

The Peak District National Park Authority said the rise will be the first in six years and will help to finance the maintenance of the car parks as well as visitor facilities.

The steepest rise comes for residents taking out an annual permit, which rises from £15 to £25. Non-park residents face a 33 per cent rise for year-long permit, from £30 to £40.

Day rates in the authority’s pay-and-display car parks will go up between 25 and 40 per cent, with a day ticket increasing from £3.50 to £4.50.

Coach rates will remain unchanged, the authority said, to encourage the use of group transport.

Property manager Abi Ball said: “We think it’s reasonable for people to expect car-park charges to increase after six years.

“We hope car-park users will understand and accept that when buying a parking ticket they are doing their bit to help the national park.

“If we don’t increase our ability to finance essential visitor facilities from car parking charges, the money would have to come from elsewhere, threatening our major purposes such as conservation.”

The authority maintains 45 car parks and parking areas, 18 of which are pay-and-display.

The formal procedure for implementing the revised charges is currently underway and will be advertised in local papers.

Subject to confirmation by the Secretary of State, the new charges are likely to come into force before the end of the year.

More information is available on the Peak District authority’s website.