So-called road rage incidents have forced Hounslow Council to introduce a new fee system for its car park.

The scheme, which sees motorists charged 50p an hour with no maximum stay, came into effect this month.

Under the previous system, visitors could park for free for up to two hours. The council said it took action following a series of road rage incidents in the Lampton Road car park last year.

A spokeswoman said drivers became irate with other motorists who barged ahead of them for a parking space.

She said: “When the car park was free, people parked there and walked into the town centre, taking spaces that people who needed to come into the Civic Centre needed.

“At busy times, visitors would queue in Clovelly Road and there have been instances of road rage. Since the charging, visitors are able to find a space more quickly.”

The council said there had also been an issue with shoppers using the spaces to avoid charges.

She said: “The facility is extremely small and at full capacity for much of the day. Regular queues form along Clovelly Road as well as in the car park itself, causing delay, congestion and safety issues should emergency services need access.

“All users (except those with disabled badges) will be expected to pay and display, irrespective of length of stay.”

The new charges are applicable between 9am and 5.30pm, Monday to Saturdays. Free cycle parking is available at the Civic Centre.

David Blackett, chairman of Heston Residents’ Association, said: “If you visit the Civic Centre to deliver or pick up mail, a five or 10-minute stopover will cost you 50p. Surely a 30-minute dispensation could have applied for such visits.

"If a one-hour meeting runs on, then things could get frantic.”