Controversial car park charges across Fareham have been given the go ahead.

Proposals to introduce coastal car park charges have been approved by councillors. The decision was made by Fareham council's cabinet despite more than 1600 residents signing a petition against the changes.

Under the proposals, the council will introduce charges to coastal car parks across Swanwick, Warsash, Meon Shore, Hill Head and Portchester.

Currently the car parks are free but under the plans motorists will have to pay £1 per hour for the first 1- 2 hours, £3 for up to 4 hours and an extra £3 for more than 4 hours parking, with a maximum £6 charge.

They say that the move is vital to raise money lost from the Coronavirus lockdown.

Council leader Sean Woodward said: "We have to raise the money from somewhere and there are other options. We have been panning this for over 18 months and this is one where clearly the user pays.

"The other alternative would be a 15% council tax rise which would be totally unacceptable on Fareham's share of the council tax. But the money must be raised."