PEOPLE living in controlled parking zones (CPZ) in Bexley will see the costs of their parking permits rocket in the next year.

Bexley Council claims the CPZs are subsidised by council taxpayers to the tune of £330,000 a year.

It says the zones, which provide residents with private parking bays at certain times of the day, were established on the basis that the cost of providing and enforcing them was met from the costs of the permits.

Bexley says its move is part of the Tories' election manifesto pledge to “end the losses to council taxpayers of non-core council services”.

Transport cabinet member, Councillor Peter Craske said it could not be right to continue to subsidise “bespoke parking services for a small number of people” when the council is facing cuts of between 25 and 40 per cent.

To make sure the CPZs become self-financing, from August the £35 permit will rise to £70 and then to £100 next year and the £60 pass will rise to £90 and then £120.

There will be similar rises for business permits and free permits for council staff and contractors will be withdrawn.

At the same time the council is drawing up plans to make it simpler for residents who want to join a CPZ or would like to amend its hours of operation.