GPs have reacted in anger after a city increased the cost of their parking permits by five to ten times.

Practices in Plymouth say the increase will cost them thousands of pounds at a time when they are hard-pressed.

GPs and practice staff in the city had benefited from an essential worker permit, which cost just £30 a year to allow them to park in resident parking places.

Now Plymouth City Council has removed the permit and replaced it with a business permit – which costs £300 a year for long-stay visits and £150 for those who make stops of two hours or less.

Dr Liz Brimacombe, managing partner at one practice, told the Plymouth Herald her practice was now facing a charge of £6,000 a year.

She said: “The money can be far better spent on other services for patients.

“There is nowhere locally to park – this is another thing that impacts on deprived areas.

“We like to think a solution can be found quickly.”

A spokesperson for the city council said doctors were allowed to park anywhere during a medical emergency.

The spokesperson said: “Plymouth City Council carried out a significant amount of benchmarking and research to ensure that the new business permits provides supports to businesses carrying out their business function i.e. allows doctors to deliver essential care and support to people in their homes.”