The Local Democracy Reporting Service said the proposals were first considered earlier this year but were withdrawn due to concerns about Sunday parking charges. This measure has now been lifted.

“This is a simple cost recovery plan,” Mr. Elmer said. “This isn’t Norwich and we won’t go out of our way to make a profit.”

The council has eight car parks in Diss, two in Harleston, two in Loddon, one in Long Stratton and four in Wymondham.

The facilities in Harleston and Long Stratton are operated separately and will remain free.

The charges have been frozen since 2016.

The new charges will charge drivers £2 for up to three hours, rather than £1 for two hours.

The cost of full-day parking will also increase from £4 to £5.

However, all towns will still offer free parking for the first hour.

Conservative councilor Lisa Overton-Neal said: “We’re not doing this to make a profit for the council, but we need enough money to maintain our car parks without all our taxpayers bearing that cost.

“This way the cost falls on the users and I believe it is still affordable.”

Updated rates are expected to be introduced next fall.