The City of Hamilton will raise parking fees in the New Year.

Today the Mayor of Hamilton, Charles Gosling, announced parking on the street would increase by 25 cents an hour while fees in parking lots would increase by 50 cents an hour.

Mr Gosling acknowledged the move would be unpopular but said it was necessary, particularly as wharfage fees had dropped due to less imports.

The City also announced the 2011 budget would be $23 million, with a surplus of just $50,000. The 2010 budget was $26 million.

For the full story read tomorrow's Royal Gazette.