Views are being sought on proposed changes to car park charges in the Suffolk Coastal area, with concerns from some residents that the alterations do not go far enough.

The district council has carried out an 18-month review of parking and concluded that ticket prices should not be increased because while the economy of the area is improving it is still fragile.

The decision has come as a relief to traders worried that higher charges could deter shoppers and who were against changes at this stage.

Changes proposed though include new short-stay charges and other tariffs at Wickham Market’s Chapel Lane car park, and charges for railway users at a new car park to be built at Darsham.

The council says capacity at Chapel Lane is insufficient and the currently free car park is often full, causing problems for visitors to nearby facilities. There will in future be six designated spaces for doctors’ vehicles and one each for staff at the library and resource centre.

In Framlingham, residents had campaigned for charges to be removed from Fore Street car park. Since charges were introduced people have chosen to park on-street instead, leaving residents nowhere to park their vehicles.

Campaigners petitioned the council and called for residents-only parking to be introduced, but to no avail.

Andrew Nunn, Suffolk Coastal cabinet member for the green environment with responsible for parking, said talks over the situation were continuing with Framlingham Town Council “to address the local needs, while ensuring best use of the limited car parking resources”.

He said: “As part of these talks, we always welcome practical new suggestions and will continue to work with the community.”

Full details of the proposed car park changes are available to view at the council’s Melton Hill offices, Woodbridge, or on-line at www.suffolkcoastal.gov.uk.

Objections must be submitted by January 23.