A BID to limit the maximum parking time in some of Worcester's car parks was defeated as charge increases were approved.

Opposition Labour city councillors wanted a restriction introduced so drivers could spend no more than four hours in the 10 short-stay car parks.

They argued that the new zoning system - where motorists pay more for parking closer to the city centre - would not mean people avoid congested areas.

"If we are really serious about getting long-stayers out of the centre, the best way isn't to get to say we'll charge you more," said Coun Paul Denham, who proposed the four-hour limit.

Short-stay

"It just means those who can afford it continue to park all day in the short-stay car park."

Some councillors wanted the idea looked into further but Conservative council leader Stephen Inman, while saying it would be considered in next year's parking review, rejected it.

"You'd get the ridiculous situation where they wouldn't go to park in a long-term car park, they would go to another short stay because it was convenient," he told Tuesday's full council meeting.

"They would pay for four hours, get into their car on an unnecessary journey only to go to the second car park for another four hours."

After the amendment was defeated by four votes, the parking charge rises - which are expected to generate an extra £188,000 for the council - were passed with Labour members abstaining.