DRIVERS will be hit with parking charge hikes in Hertsmere for street parking, council-run car parks and annual visitor permits.

This comes as Hertsmere Borough Council attempts to make £2 million savings in the next two years following budget cuts.

The decision for the rise in parking charges was taken at the council's executive meeting last week.

Residents will be charged £15 for a parking permit outside their house while charges for annual visitor permits will rise from £20 to £30.

Across the borough, including Potters Bar, the cost of on-street parking for more than one hour will rise from 80p to £1.

Charges in council-run car park charges will go up from 40p to 50p, for up to one hour, and become £1 for up to two hours.

Councillor John Donne, transport portfolio holder, said: "Residents understand that we have to increase certain charges across the borough.

"We have not raised the charges in council-run car parks for several years and due to the tough financial times we currently find ourselves in this was something we had to consider.

"We feel we have kept the proposed increases to a reasonable rate, which remains below many other areas, and we will also be keeping the first half an hour of on-street parking free to be as fair as possible."