The proposals have been met with anger by shoppers and businesses who fear such a move will put out-of-town visitors and tourists off coming to Fareham.

The biggest hike in charges looks set to hit the most popular car park in the town centre – Market Quay.

Council officers had originally recommended charges be increased by between 35 and 40 per cent for the first four hours. This would mean the starting charge rising from £1 for an hour to £1.40, and the charge for a four-hour stay rising from £4 to £5.40.

But councillors sitting on the planning and transportation review panel this week said the charges should rise even more, starting at £1.50 for an hour – a 50 per cent hike.

The majority of the other short stay car parks could rise by 12.5 per cent an hour, up to four hours, while Osborn Road multi-storey car park is likely to become a discount short stay car park where charges will not change at all.

The new parking charges are being proposed to boost council income by about £105,000 while keeping council tax rises down.

Councillor John Bryant, chairman of the planning and transportation review panel, said: 'We've got to make these rises to bring in more income, but there is a real worry that the changes will drive shoppers and visitors away from the town centre.'

Shoppers and businesses have voiced their anger at the proposed rise.

Andy Hawthorn, 27, of The Spring, Denmead, said: 'I normally go to Fareham shopping but if parking charges are going to go up that much I might go elsewhere.'

Shara Skillicorn, 21, of Eastfield Avenue, Fareham, said: 'Aren't motorists being hammered enough with petrol prices?'

Caroline Collings, from the Hampshire branch of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: 'If car parking charges rise too high it will definitely put shoppers off coming to Fareham, pushing them towards places where parking is discounted or free.

'It will literally drive them away.'

The final decision about the parking charges will be made at a meeting of the executive on July 28.