Car parking price hikes in the west of Redbridge have been branded “extreme” by an angry resident.

Jennifer Gaughan, of Empress Avenue, Woodford Green, is furious that Redbridge Council has increased fares at seven car parks in her area and South Woodford, while reducing prices in Ilford.

The 56-year-old told the Recorder: “I work in South Woodford, so I use the Charteris Road car park every day and pay a monthly fee.”

The council increased prices at the car park near Woodford Tube station by 22per cent following a borough-wide parking review.

“It’s their way of making it unaffordable,” said Mrs Gaughan.

“If this car park didn’t exist I don’t know what I would do, it is just so extreme.

“How can the council justify increasing one car park’s prices by 22pc?”

Woodford Green MP Iain Duncan Smith has backed Mrs Gaughan, describing the price hikes as “outrageous”.

He said: “It appears there is a discrepancy in prices in the area and such price levels should be fair and not come to the detriment of commuters who will clearly be hit by this.”

The council’s car parking development manager Kris Brady explained the changes were the result of a borough-wide review.

“Charteris Road car park has the highest usage level in the borough and during peak times it is extremely difficult to find an available space,” he said.

“To enable us to regulate this we have raised the daily charge to £6 as the high level of occupancy we suggest that we are cheaper than using alternative options,” he continued.

Mr Brady explained monthly payments would offer a 60pc discount on the daily rate.

He added: “I do not feel like this is unfair and is proportionate to other car parks with the above criteria taken into consideration.”