COMMUTERS around Reading will pay up to £78 more a year to leave their vehicles in station car parks.

On Tuesday Great Western Railway (GWR) announced a day price hike on car parks including Twyford, Tilehurst, Mortimer, Theale, Thatcham, Pangbourne and Aldermaston.

Over a working year the average 5.5 per cent rise, which comes into effect on December 11, will cost Berkshire and West Berkshire parkers between £26.10 and £78.30 extra a year.

Annette Smith, who regularly leaves her car in Mortimer Station car park, said: “I think it is ridiculous. It is expensive enough as it is to park at the station.

“All this will do is force people onto the road, which is dangerous for drivers and pedestrians.”

GWR Managing Director Mark Hopwood conceded that the price hike may not be popular with drivers, but that it was necessary for the rail company to add further facilities.

He said:“While I understand that no one wishes to pay more, this price increase will help our rail users take advantage of railway provided parking, and will enable further car parking facilities where they are most needed across the GWR network.”

All annual permits renewed before February 28 will be charged the current, cheaper tariff.

The following per-day price increases apply at the following stations: Twyford 30p, Tilehurst 30p, Mortimer 20p, Theale 30p, Thatcham 20p, Pangbourne 30p and Aldermaston 10p.