A NEW regime of car parking charges will be introduced by the Malvern Hills Conservators next month.

It will cost £2 to park in their car parks, with a £40 fine for those who do not buy a ticket. This will drop to £20 for prompt payment.

Ian Rowat, director of the Conservators, said the current system failed to deter people from flouting the parking regulations. At the moment, anyone caught without a £1.50 parking ticket is fined the same amount.

Mr Rowat said levy-paying Malvern Hills residents would still qualify for a £2 all-year parking pass and that money raised from fines would help pay for refurbishments to public toilets. Regular visitors will also be able to buy a year's pass for £25.