Car boot parking charges for the Sunday sales at Dorchester may yet be reduced.

Changes to Dorset Council car parking fees from April 1 has resulted in parking for the Sunday boot sale at Fairfield going from free to a minimum charge of £4 – costing more to park on a Sunday than when the Wednesday commercial market is held. However, the option to pay £2.60 for three hours is still available on the parking app.

There are concerns that the new Sunday charge will put people off attending the car boot which, each year, raise thousands of pounds for local charities.

Joint markets panel chairman councillor Molly Rennie has revealed that talks are going on to get the Sunday fees reduced.

The problem is being caused not only by the introduction of a Sunday parking fee but that the car boot sales are held on the only area at the market site where parking is cheaper, the closest point to the town centre, forcing visitors into the long stay area, or finding nearby street parking or using other car parks.

Cllr Rennie told Dorchester town councillors on Monday evening that talks are being held with Dorset Council officials involving her, the panel vice chairman and the town clerk to try and find a solution.

She said the current parking charge was confusing visitors who were unsure of whether they needed to pay, and if so, how much, some had been mis-led by the lower fees for market day.