Plans to increase the cost of parking permits for Windsor and Maidenhead residents has gone to public consultation - with many sharing their thoughts on the hiked prices.

The now Liberal Democrat run Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council announced a consultation into parking charges on Thursday, December 7.

Residents are encouraged to have their say and vote on two options, one of which will see a third permit triple in price from £110 to £330.

Slough Observer: Joanne Scott has slammed the council saying "outrageous proposals for both residents and those wanted to visit RBWM".

Mike Reynolds added:  "RBWM you should be ashamed of the proposal to raise the residents permits, it will mainly only affect the people that don't have the luxury of a driveway and simply acts to further increase the gap between the rich and the poor."

Mike has called for a third option.

At present, a first resident’s permit costs £50, a second one would cost £75 and a third would cost £110.

The council’s two proposed options would both see first permit charges kept low to benefit single-car households.

Option A sees first permit charges rise slightly to £75, with second and third hiked to £150 and £220 respectively.

However, option B would see the price of a first permit frozen at £50 – while second and third permits would see an even more drastic rise to £225 and £330.

The outcome of the consultation will be implemented in February 2024.

Sarah Walker believes the proposals are "dreadful" and "damaging". 

James Sweeney said: "Make it a fair survey. It just looks like you're going ahead with an increase regardless of what people say."

RBWM transport lead councillor Geoff Hill said: “The council is facing serious financial challenges, and Cabinet is fully focused on taking the actions needed to set the organisation onto a secure financial footing.

“This includes bringing forward changes to fees and charges, ahead of the new financial year.

“I encourage people to engage with the consultation and to share their views, in particular around the options on resident parking permits.”

The public consultation runs until January 1, 2024. Residents can share their views at shorturl.at/emuGU.

Alternatively, those without internet access can use public-access computers at libraries, where paper copies will also be available upon request.