THOUSANDS of people in Salisbury could see the cost of their parking permits soar under the council’s latest proposals.

Residents’ permits are under review as Wiltshire Council looks at ways to make more money from parking.

Almost 4,000 Salisbury motorists hold parking permits, and all pay considerably less than elsewhere in Wiltshire.

While Salisbury residents pay £20 to £40 for annual permits, those in other towns pay £90. Now the council is considering “harmonising” the charges across the county in a bid to generate an extra £200,000 a year. It will propose two options in its upcoming parking consultation, due to start this week.

The first option is to increase the cost of all permits in Salisbury to £90.

The second is to introduce a “two-tiered charging regime”, with higher fees of up to £110 for a second permit at a single address.

Permit holder Theresa Wood, who lives in Albany Road, vowed to start a campaign against the changes.

She said: “It’s totally and utterly unacceptable. It’s absolutely outrageous, especially when the pavements are all cracked and broken and the roads are rubbish.”

Councillor Atiqul Hoque, who represents much of the city centre, argued that if parking permit costs are made the same across Wiltshire, then car parking charges should also be “harmonised”.

Currently Salisbury car parks are the most expensive in Wiltshire.

Cllr Hoque said the changes would have a dramatic effect on many residents, especially those in the Friary who may not be able to afford the rise.

“I’m not happy. I agree there should be an increase because Salisbury hasn’t had an increase for the last seven years. Everybody should pay their way, but that doesn’t mean we have this kind of fundamental rise.”

Wiltshire Council said: “Our parking service is facing significant cost pressures and in order to help us safeguard bus services these proposals are necessary. We believe it’s reasonable to consider that parking permit prices are made consistent across the county.”

The plans are currently part of a public consultation on parking which can be found here.