Weekend shoppers were hit with unexpected fees as a shopping centre’s parking fees shot up at short notice.

The car park by the Spires shopping centre in High Barnet is run by OCS independently of investment management company Hunter, who own the centre itself.

On Friday (December 2) evening, OCS informed Hunter and tenants using shop space in the centre of changes being made to parking fees, the day before the centre hosted its yearly Christmas fayre for over 10,000 people.

Owner of independent café Coffee Bean, who have long been based in the Spires, Krimo Assoul was concerned at how the unexpected changes would affect business.

He said: “We rely on people being able to park at reasonable prices. If people can’t park for a good price it could cripple my business.

“Making people pay for a full hour for just a quick stop will only make them go elsewhere – people should be getting half an hour free, never mind charging them more.”

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Rates for each hourly division went up on Saturday morning, while discounted rates for stays under half an hour and all-day Sunday parking were removed entirely.

The removal of Sunday parking rates, which were set at a £1.40 flat rate, means shoppers parking on a Sunday will now be charged 300 per cent more than on previous Sundays.

Chipping Barnet MP Theresa Villiers also spoke out against the price hike.

She said: “This is the most important time of year for local shops.

“The Spires is right at the heart of High Barnet and real progress has been made in reviving it over recent months.

“Rather than Christmas cheer OCS are bringing Christmas gloom to the traders and shoppers in our local high street – I am urging them to think again and reverse this price increase.”

Plans were recently approved for a major renovation of the Spires with new shops, restaurants and public spaces led by new tenant H&M, the international clothing retailer.

Andrew Moffat from Hunter said: “We have encouraged OCS to maintain tariffs and modernise the car park operation as part of our exciting regeneration of The Spires.

“We have been in discussions with OCS for some time and offered a significant sum to assist with this.

“Despite these proposals being rejected by OCS, we remain committed to finding a satisfactory solution.

“The recent increase and change in tariffs with absolutely no notice, especially on the day of the Barnet Christmas Fayre, is incredibly frustrating.”

OCS has yet to respond to request for comment.