Religious communities in Salisbury have mounted fierce opposition to Wiltshire Council's proposed overhaul of Sunday parking fees, claiming the changes would effectively impose a financial penalty on worship.
The Liberal Democrat-controlled authority is consulting on plans that would scrap the current flat-rate system in favour of significantly higher charges.
The proposed changes have prompted accusations from locals that they are being "charged to pray".
Under the proposals, which form part of what the council describes as a "financially sustainable" parking strategy, worshippers would face substantially increased costs to attend services in the southwest England city.
Parking tariffs across Wiltshire have remained unchanged since 2022.
The financial impact would be substantial, with the existing £1.90 all-day Sunday rate replaced by a fee of approximately £5.90 for just three hours of parking.
Reverend John Proctor, of St Osmund's Church in the city, has warned that the consequences could be severe for his congregation.
He noted how the changes would affect as many as 600 people who attend worship across four services each Sunday.
"Those who are struggling already will have to decide what they can give to the church to cover all the running costs and all the activities we do," Reverend Proctor told the BBC.
Salisbury already holds the distinction of being Wiltshire's most expensive location for parking, leading critics of the proposal to fear for a further decline in the city's parking viability.
Sue Gilbert, a member of Salisbury Methodist Church, further expressed concern that the fee increases would lead to declining attendance at services.
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Philip Richter, who serves as pastoral lead at Salisbury Methodist Church, highlighted that villagers from surrounding areas have no viable alternative to driving into the city for worship.
He pointed out that local bus services are inadequate to meet the needs of rural congregations.
These worshippers currently rely on the affordable £1.90 short-stay parking option, and would be crippled by the discussed £4 hike under the proposed changes.
Council leader Ian Thorn has acknowledged Salisbury's parking costs represent a "long-standing issue", and pledged to address it as a "question of fairness".
Martin Smith, councillor for highways, has urged residents, businesses and community groups throughout Wiltshire to participate in the consultation process.
"Parking charges in Wiltshire have not changed since 2022, despite significant inflationary pressures during that time, so we feel that these proposals are fair and that they remain in line with charges in nearby authorities," he said.
The consultation, which closes on May 5, also includes proposals to extend charging hours from the current 8am to 6pm window, up to 7am to 7pm.
Councillor Smith described the process as essential for developing a parking service aligned with the county's long-term transport and environmental goals.
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