Reduced parking charges came into force in Walsall town centre today. The three-month trial of lower parking rates has been introduced following complaints from fed-up motorists and traders.

Drivers can now park all day for £3 instead of £5 at Ward Street and Dudley Street car parks, which Walsall Council says are two of the most under-used in the borough. Meanwhile, four-hour parking fees in all town centre car parks will also be reduced by £1 to £2.80.

Council bosses revealed the scheme could cost the authority £20,000 unless visitors and shoppers come into the town and make the most of the cheaper rates.

The changes and their impact will be reviewed after three months and could continue for another three if successful.

The move has been welcomed by some parking campaigners.

Dennis Anson, Labour councillor for the Pleck ward, said: “I would certainly encourage people to come in a make the most of it. I’m sure it will help to get the car parks full over Christmas.

“We’ve got to do something to boost our trade in the town.”

Council chiefs said they had listened to critics and given them what they wanted.

It comes just days after it revealed Tesco will not be introducing charges at its town centre store before Christmas.

Since opening in December last year, the multi-million pound store has offered free parking for three hours on 750 spaces.

Instead, it plans to reduce the time limit from three to two but will review its parking system after the festive period.

Earlier this month it emerged that a dozen parking wardens have been physically or verbally attacked while on duty in Walsall in a period of just six months.

Assaults on staff patrolling the streets and issuing tickets are being carried out at least twice a month on average. There were 10 physical attacks, one verbal and a racial confrontation from March to September this year. Private firm Apcoa, who run the service, say such attacks are not tolerated.