CAR park charges have been almost completely frozen in Ripon, Knaresborough, Harrogate and Pateley Bridge.

Coun Julian Sturdy, Harrogate District Council's public works chief, has agreed that present charges will remain for the current financial year.

But there will be a slight increase at Victoria multi-storey car park, in Harrogate, to allow for the introduction of "pay on foot". Evening charges at Conyngham Hall, in Knaresborough, will be removed.

Councillor Sturdy said: "Short-stay parking for shoppers plays a major part in maintaining the vitality and viability of town centres, so it is important to keep an adequate supply of short-stay car parking free for shoppers and visitors.

"For instance, the introduction of a one- hour maximum stay on the Arcade car park in Ripon has increased turnover by 27 per cent.

"A major parking study is currently under way in the city and it is felt that it would be premature to review the charges at this time. I have also agreed that the evening charges at Conyngham Hall, Knaresborough, should be removed to bring this car park into line with other car parks."

Charges at the Victoria multi-storey car park will go up from 60p to 80p per hour.

The Chamber of Trade also asked the council to consider the issue of permits for those contractors who have to work on a regular basis in Harrogate town centre. Now it has been agreed to bring in a "contractors" permit with an annual fee of £250.

Coun Sturdy said: "We appreciate that it is difficult for contractors, for whom it is essential to work from their vehicles, to park in the on-street pay and display or residents' parking zones.

"Previously, they would have had to obtain a parking waiver from the Knapping Mount offices. Sometimes, contractors have to work at very short notice and having to obtain individual waivers was causing delay in some circumstances. We hope that this annual permit make things easier for them."

These contractors will be required to meet criteria to be eligible for a permit. The cost of residents' parking permits will be retained.

Updated: 08:36 Friday, July 04, 2003