Norwich Park and Ride fares are going up on average 5pc from April 16, which Norfolk County Council said still represented value for money and was in line with inflation.

The cost of a daily single and return will go up from �2.30 to �2.40. However, the special 50p child (under 16) fare for a single ticket will no longer be available, and a children's single ticket will now cost �1.10.

A council spokesman said that, legally, the fares must not compete unfairly with other local bus services, hence the �1.10 charge - the same as a return ticket and in line with current single journey ticketing arrangements for adults.

However, up to four children under 16 will still be able to travel free with an adult, as only unaccompanied children are affected.

An annual park and ride season ticket will cost �410 from April 16.

County council spokesman John Birchall said that with escalating fuel prices and the cost of city centre parking, the service will still represent excellent value for money. The council has estimated that it would cost �1,300 just in fuel and parking to make the same journey by car.

Mr Birchall said: 'The actual cost increase for the service has been around 15pc, but we decided that it is in the interests of the city economy and customers not to pass this on in full.

'The county council is continuing to provide �0.5m a year support to Norwich park and ride. Fares have been rounded to the nearest 10p.'

But John Peacock, a spokesman for campaign group, Norfolk Bus Watch, said: 'This is bad news for users of public transport. Public transport should be the cheap alternative to using your car, but the trend seems to be going in the opposite direction. It's also not good news for the environment, and will just mean more cars in the city centre.'

The council said that some of the changes, such as the withdrawal of the group weekend ticket, were in response to customer feedback that fares needed simplifying.

New fares from April 16 (current fare in brackets) Daily Single (�2.30) �2.40, Daily Return (�2.30) �2.40, Daily Return after 12.30 (�2) �2.10, Child Single (�0.50) �1.10, Child Return (�1) �1.10, Concession (�1) �1.10,

Cycle and Ride (�1) �1.10, Group (�4) �4.20, 10 Return Trip (�21) �22, 4 Weekly (�39) �41, Annual (�390) �410.

Further details on tickets are available at www.norfolk.gov.uk/parkandride.