“UTTERLY crackers” parking charges have driven shoppers away from high streets over the festive break, the AA has said.

Up to £26 for just a few hours is charged at city shopping centres across the country, its analysis reveals.

The AA insisted these shocking fees, partly designed to encourage drivers to use Park and Ride and leave their cars on the outskirts, have hit retailers hard during the crucial festive shopping period.

Spokesman Luke Bosdet told The Sun: “In too many towns, parking costs aren’t just bonkers — they’re utterly crackers.

“The AA understands the need to encourage commuters and tourists to park on the outskirts to reduce pollution and congestion.

“Park and ride works very well in reducing inner city travel costs and hassle.

“But doing it on major shopping days doesn’t make sense. Retailers, for whom Christmas trade can be make or break, need support not having the carpet pulled from under them.

“A tenner for four to five hours parking, giving shoppers a chance to sit down and taste the Christmas fare, is a stretch in current times. But £15, £20, £25, what are councils and private operators thinking?

“The Government says it wants to rejuvenate town centres. The cost of shoppers’ parking is one of the places to start.”

The research found Cambridge’s Grand Arcade charges up to £26.40 for five hours.

Liverpool ONE costs £16.50 and Manchester’s Arndale Centre is £15.60.

A government spokesman said: “We will set out details on a private parking code of practice as soon as possible.”

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