A low-paid workers' discount parking permit scheme will be suspended if Allerdale council's car park proposals go ahead. 

At present anyone earning less than £15,496 a year or £7.45 an hour can apply for a six-month permit at a cost of £140. 

Under the new proposals, it would mean they would have to pay £400 a year for a 'single town' permit, currently £100, or £500 for an 'all town' permit, currently £290. 

While plans to abolish parking charges in Maryport have been welcomed other towns in Allerdale will see increased charges and the introduction of an overnight charge. 

Charges would be increased in almost all car parks across Allerdale with the exceptions of Brow Top, Central Station, Allerdale House and Elizabeth Street in Workington. 

Car parks which are currently free to use would remain so. 

The proposals also include an investment of £350,000 in new parking machines where drivers will be able to pay by card or phone. 

The consultation is available at www.allerdale.gov.uk/consultation and in hard copy version at the authority's area offices. 

The closing date for responses is January 14. 

Allerdale council's proposals

Cockermouth 

Fairfield 

Up to an hour: £1.20; 20p increase. One hour to 90 minutes: £2; 50p increase. 90 minutes to two hours: £2.40: 40p increase. 

Wakefield, Bitterbeck, Riverside, Sullart Street  

Up to 30 minutes: 80p; 30p increase. 30 mins to an hour: £1.20; 20p increase. One to two hours: £2.40; 40p increase. Two to three hours: £3.80, 30p increase. Three to 14 hours, £4.50; 50p decrease. 

Keswick 

Bell Close  

Up to 30 minutes: 50p; 15p decrease. 30 minutes to an hour: £1.50; 20p increase. One to two hours: £3; 40p increase. 

Central, Lakeside, Otley Road

Up to two hours: £3; 40p increase. Two to three hours: £5; increase £1.30. Three to four hours: £7; £2 increase. Four to 14 hours £9; £2 increase. 

Workington 

Udale Street, Ladies Walk 

Up to an hour: £1.50; 50p increase. An hour to 90 minutes: £2.50, £1 increase. 90 minutes to two hours: £3.50; £1.50 increase. 

Brow Top, Central Station, Allerdale House, Elizabeth Street 

No changes to current tariffs of £2.50 to £5.