Drivers have hammered home their opposition to raised parking charges.

Plans announced by Milton Keynes Council earlier this year to increase fees across CMK were greeted with a barrage of protest from business leaders, shop and office workers.

Now a formal council survey on the issue has netted comments from almost 960 people – most of them against the proposal to end free parking in North and South Row.

Objectors reiterated complaints that higher charges would discourage shoppers and visitors already battling with the recession.

The consultation sought views on moves to provide discount CMK parking for Milton Keynes residents and special permits for environment-friendly vehicles.

The council has put back any changes from the autumn to early next year. It points out that Milton Keynes remains one of the cheapest places to park in the region, with the proposed 30p per hour standard rate better than Northampton's 60p and 40p in Luton.