A new car parking payment system is being introduced to Coalville as part of the Belvoir Shopping Centre regeneration scheme.

An automatic number plate recognition system will be in place from next Monday.

The plans have been revealed by North West Leicestershire District Council on its website - along with the new charges which include two hours' free parking.

New owners Gylo acquired the Belvoir Shopping Centre earlier this year and have invested in the new system Revitalisation plans revealed for Coalville Shopping Centre.

The Council says: "Linked to the new approach to the overall regeneration of the shopping centre is the management of the associated car parking.

"In April this year, ownership of three of the town centre's car park passed from North West Leicestershire District Council to Gylo.

"Gylo has now invested in a new system based on automatic number plate recognition which will be introduced from 26th October.

"Unlike the previous car parking regime which charged all users on entry, there will be two hours completely free of charge.

"The new system will be as follows:

•First two hours free

•2-3 hours £1.00

•Up to 6 hours £2.50

•Over 6 hours £5.00

Nick Harcus, of Lathdale, the development consultants for Gylo, said, "We think that it's really important to offer a minimum of two hours free parking so that shoppers can visit the shopping centre and wider town centre without having to pay.

"We are applying charges beyond that to cover those that are using the car parks for longer periods and which are not associated with shopping.

"The payment machines accept cash and cards, or you can pay via the PayByPhone app by downloading it to your smartphone."

He concluded: "There will be staff on site in the car parks for a minimum of four weeks to help our customers understand how the system works.

"Those occupiers on High Street that have a rear access will be able to continue to use this without being charged."