MOTORISTS in North Dorset face an increase in costs to park in Blandford, Gillingham, Shaftesbury and Sturminster Newton and in another car park a new scale of charges could be introduced.

Cabinet members at the district council are being recommended at their meeting today to alter car park charges via the North Dorset Parking Places Order 2008, and release up to £15,000 from civic coffers to buy new parking meters.

Parking bosses say the changes would benefit council finances for the coming year by £440,000.

"The new replacement meters will have the facility of five languages included in the software," said Berenice Deakin, car park services officer.

"These meters are also compliant with disability discrimination act requirements."

Eagle House Gardens in Langton Road car parks in Blandford could go up to 60 per hour and in the rear section at Langton Road all day parking would cost 90p.

At Marsh and Ham it is proposed that parking between 30 minutes and an hour would cost 60p. Parking permits may also be introduced.

Chantry Fields in Gillingham faces the introduction of a scale of charges ranging from 30p for 30 minutes to 90p for all day. Currently motorists have only one choice - 80p all day.

Gas Lane in Gillingham could increase to 90p all day.

Gillingham Leisure Centre car park is due to be completely removed from the parking places order as the community facility is set to close.

High Street parking in Gillingham could be increased to 60p for an hour.

In Shaftesbury, Angel Lane and Bell Street face an increase up to 60 an hour, as does Church Street and Station Road in Sturminster Newton.

A parking permit could also be introduced at the latter car park.

And the cost for all 12-month parking permits would be £165 under the proposals.