Monmouthshire residents have expressed anger towards a proposal to increase parking rates across the county, with the fear it will destroy trade in market towns.

In a report commissioned by Monmouthshire County Council from Parsons Brinckerhoff, a consultation firm, it has been proposed that the council increases the hourly parking charges by 20p along with introducing Sunday charges in council run car parks in Abergavenny, Monmouth and Chepstow.

They have also proposed removing free parking in the evenings, and introducing pay and display overnight, at a cost of £13,140 a year for additional staff.

In addition to this, it has also been suggested to commence charging for car parking in Usk to improve the parking environment and improve provision in the town.

Because of this, there has been outrage from many residents of Abergavenny, Usk, Monmouth and Chepstow at the recommendation that parking in Caldicot will remain free.

Mr Graham Preece, of Shopmobility, Abergavenny, said, "As a market town, Abergavenny relies on people coming here via car and parking in the town. If the prices are extremely high, who is going to come here?"

Along with this, the report recommends that charging for people with blue badges is implemented by 2016/17, which has caused further outcry.

Mr Preece added, "This is going to hit disabled people very hard and make many not want to come into town.

"Many of us need to travel straight from our cars and onto scooters to get into town.

"On top of this, a lot of people who use Shopmobility need help putting money into the ticket machines.

"Surely instead of raising car parking prices and putting a lot of strain onto disabled and vulnerable people, the council should instead be looking at those who abuse disabled badge spaces and those who park without paying."