A BUSINESSMAN is pleading with the council to reduce its “crippling” parking charges.

Bill Hunt, a consultant for Skoda car dealership Trans City, based in Hoe Street, is angry that the business is having to pay thousands of pounds extra a year for customers to park, following fee increases.

Businesses can purchase three 12 month permits for £390 each, but every permit after that now costs £550.

Mr Hunt says Trans City needs 16 permits to operate effectively, meaning the business is having to pay thousands of pounds extra in parking charges.

On top of this, the council in 2008 increased the cost of a five hour permit from £7 a book to £21.

Mr Hunt, who is also a Conservative councillor on Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “The council says its policy is to assist business, but this is making it harder for us.”

Mr Hunt asked councillors at a town hall meeting in May to review the current charging system.

He has since been told by a council officer that fees and charges will be ratified in the new financial year, but he feels like his concerns have not been properly addressed.

He intends to address councillors again on the issue this month.