Government increases to car parking fees in Douglas were slammed by a former minister this week.

Tim Crookall MLC hit out at increases of more than 20% at Department of Infrastructure-owned car parks in the capital.

He argued such hikes were unfair and also damaged town centre trading and increase the likelihood of shopkeepers and property owners moving out of town.

’We are not helping the shoppers at all here,’ he said.

The car parks at Parade Street West (behind Lord Street bus station), Parade Street East and the Tongue have seen increases to £3 for up to four hours and £5.50 for 24 hours.

Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer said the increases were so high because it was the first time they had gone up in since 2014. But Mr Crookall, who was a minister from 2011-16, said it was previously agreed by the government to avoid making such huge hikes after a long period and the department should aim to have small increases on a more regular basis.

’Just because the department forgot or did not want to put the prices up at the time it is not acceptable to leave it five years,’ he said, and then calculate the increase based on the entire time period.

Mr Crookall also complained car park users were only given three days’ notice of the increase.

Mr Harmer argued that the plan was first published in December but admitted communication could be improved.

The minister said anecdotal evidence was that trade in the shops had been ’reasonably good’ but acknowledged the promenade redevelopment meant a period of change.

He added the rates were still cheaper than car parks run by Douglas Corporation.

The Examiner this week reported Douglas Council leader David Christian’s views about free two-hour parking on the walkway on Loch Promenade.

He suggested that it was taking cars away from council-run car parks such as Chester Street.