The increases will remain frozen for a further three years – representing the only rise in prices between 2005 and 2012.

The matter was debated at a full meeting of Aberdeenshire Council at its Woodhill House headquarters in Aberdeen last week.

Peterhead South and Cruden Cllr Stuart Pratt, who had asked for the matter to be referred, repeated his call for no action to be taken, citing concerns about the impact of the rise on communities in the current financial climate.

He also made reference to concerns raised during public consultation on the proposals.

Cllr Pratt's amendment was defeated by 34 votes to 21 against Cllr Peter Argyle's motion to support the rise, however.

Discussing the proposals, Aboyne, Upper Deeside and Donside Cllr Argyle said there would be 'serious implications' for roads maintenance funds if the extra income of around £195,000 per year could not be generated.
Aberdeenshire Council does not charge for on-street parking, and the thousands of free spaces available in car parks across Aberdeenshire will remain unchanged.

Cllr Argyle said: "These days, motorists expect to pay to park their vehicles in town centres, and the money raised helps the council to maintain our roads and fill potholes.

"Charges also form an important traffic management tool in terms of ensuring the turnover of spaces in communities.

"There hasn't been any increase since 2005, and the proposals mean that there will be no further rise for another three years."

The move will see tickets rise from 30p to 40p for up to an hour, from 60p to 80p for 1-2 hours, from £1 to £1.50 for 2-3 hours, and from £3 to £4 for 3-10 hours.

The matter had been referred to the full council following a meeting of the authority's Infrastructure Services Committee last week, which narrowly supported the proposals after a vote.

A call by Ellon and District Cllr Debra Storr to allow rates to be set by the council's six area committees was defeated by an amendment from Troup Cllr Sydney Mair calling for retention of the 30p rate for stays of up to an hour.

Cllr Mair's amendment later fell at a final vote against the original motion by 35 votes to 24.

The rises are expected to take effect during the summer once ticket machines have been adjusted.