Bentalls in Kingston has defended a price hike at its Seven Kings car park at Sury Basin.

The cost has leapt from £2.50 an hour to £4.00 with shoppers saying it’s putting them off spending more time in the town centre.

Bentalls says there’s been significant capital expenditure over the last couple of years on essential lighting and structural improvements.

Bosses say it’s “important to note” that the car park is jointly owned, with Kingston Council holding a 50% stake and the Bentall Centre holding the remaining 50%. It says as such, pricing decisions are made collaboratively with “careful consideration” of both operational costs and the broader town centre economy.

Bosses also say they’ll amend signage in the car park that displays payment time as 7AM to 23AM on Fridays and Saturdays.