A CONSULTATION into introducing charges for visitor parking at council offices has been launched.

Maldon District Council mooted the idea to introduce charges at their offices in Princes Road which would affect 20 free spaces at a meeting last November.

The report said: “The car park is used during the weekday period as largely a permit parking area.

“The spaces impacted upon by the introduction of weekday charging are currently used for general parking at the offices.

“The whole car park site, including permit areas, is chargeable at weekends and this will remain in place.

“The income generated from parking charges should offset the cost of installing pay and display machinery.”

A council spokesman said: “This proposal would bring this car park area in line with all other car parks in the Maldon town and free parking will be withdrawn if this proposal is supported.”

Comments can be sent to parkingservices@maldon.gov.uk. The consultation ends on June 6.