PARKING charges in some Forest Council car parks will be less than feared after the authority's Cabinet made changes to the proposals.

It will cost 20p for up to an hour instead of 40p as originally suggested and 50p for up to two hours instead of 70p.

Resident permits will be renamed "overnight permits" and will allow parking between 5pm and 9am.

Season tickets will be available at £40 a month, £100 for three months, £180 for six months or £312 annually.

Charges will apply between 8am and 6pm Monday to Saturday in all car parks except Redbrook where they will apply every day.

Permits and season tickets can be used in all the car parks where charging is introduced and will be for the holder rather than a specific vehicle.

The changes were made following a consultation which prompted 173 responses.

Cabinet member Cllr Brian Robinson said: "Permits and tickets will be able to be used by the holder which means people can share their permit in their household or place of work, helping them to get the best value for money from it.

 "Tickets and permits will, of course, be transferable between car parks meaning people can park in one town and then go on to park in other towns on the same permit or valid ticket."