Taking in the beauty of the River Thames and Walton Bridge could come at a price, if plans to introduce car parking charges at Cowey Sale are successful.

Elmbridge Council is currently asking for residents’ views on plans to charge 60p an hour to park at the riverside park between 10am and 4pm seven days a week.

The council, which owns the car park and facilities, said the charges would support maintenance costs.

Chris Sadler, ward councillor for Walton Central, said: “Trying to introduce charges Monday to Sunday would make it the only car park in the whole of Elmbridge which charges on a Sunday. There was nothing in the proposal that went to the cabinet in October that said this would be out of line with other charges.

“Cowey Sale is the only one of more than 20 recreational facility car parks to have charges proposed so it is not even handed. Why levy charges here and not at Hurst Meadows?

“Frankly, I don’t think it is a sensible way to raise money. You are going to have to patrol it with parking officers and you are going to lose 30 per cent of the money it makes.”

Coun Sadler was also concerned that imposing charges at the car park could lead to further problems of people parking in Walton Lane, which does not have yellow lines.

Under the plans, charges will also be implemented at Thamesmead Car Park, Walton, and will increase at other town and village car parks.

A council spokeswoman said: “In order to offset the costs of maintaining and operating the Cowey Sale car park, which is estimated at £20,000 per annum, cabinet agreed that the council consults on the possible introduction of an hourly charge of 60p, and that the results of that consultation are reported to cabinet for further consideration.”

Cobham, Elmgrove, Long Ditton and West End recreational car parks and Weybridge cricket green car park would have a maximum stay of three hours, while at Ditton Reach boat park, vehicles would be restricted to a 20-minute maximum stay or a three hour maximum stay with a boat trailer.

Objections and representations relating to the proposals must be made by February 1 by writing to Elmbridge Parking Services, Civic Centre, High Street, Esher, Surrey KT10 9SD.