Car parking charges in Devizes could be increased to bring them into line with other large Wiltshire towns.

Wiltshire Council is proposing to create four bands of car parking charges, with Salisbury in band one, Trowbridge, Devizes and Chippenham in band two, other market towns in band three and small towns and villages in band four.

At the moment, up to two hours parking in Trowbridge costs 80p, compared to £1.10 at most of the council car parks in Marlborough, Devizes and Chippenham. The one exception is the Station Road car park in Devizes where two hours is 90p. When it comes to parking all day, motorists pay £3.60 in Trowbridge, compared to at least £4.90 in Chippenham and £2.70 in Devizes. In Marlborough, where there is no designated commuter parking, it is £16.

Initially it was proposed to allow the new area boards to make the decision on the level of charges in their own community, with a maximum level set within each band.

It would have meant those area boards charging the maximum amount could then have more of the revenue back for specified transport projects in their area, but it could also face the prospect of damaging trade.

At the environment select committee meeting on Tuesday, councillors said the idea of area boards setting parking charges was “dangerous” and would pitch towns against each other.

Coun Ian Humphries said: “It will set community against community and create such bad feeling.”

Coun Alan Hill added: “I do not think it is appropriate that area boards should have the final decision over parking charges.”

But Coun Ian McLennan said area boards were the ideal place to make the decision. He said it was unfair that people in Salisbury, for example, should pay more than elsewhere in Wiltshire.

The select committee voted to amend the proposal, suggesting the area boards should be involved in the consultation and make a recommendation to the executive, through the portfolio holder.

Parish and town councils could also be given the chance to take over their car parks if they want to.

Coun Dick Tonge, the cabinet member for parking, said no decisions had been made about pricing in any town or village.