CAR parking charges in parts of Hertfordshire have almost doubled in the past six years, it emerged today.

In some areas drivers have seen the cost of parking for two hours rise by 90 per cent since 2000.

Hertfordshire is one of the worst culprits for parking fee increases, according to figures from insurance company Direct Line.

Nationally fees have soared by an average 25 per cent since 2000.

However, Watford has seen only a 4.4 per cent increase, with average charges rising from £1.20 in 2000 to £1.26 in 2007.

Londoners are still paying the most to park, with Westminster charging a massive £7.99 for two hours and the north London borough of Islington demanding £7.32 for the same duration.

In Berkhamstead, Hertfordshire, parking prices have risen at a higher rate than anywhere else in the UK: the cost for two hours increased 90.8 per cent from 10p to £1.08.

The Direct Line survey also revealed that 17 per cent of drivers have been stung by parking fines in the last two years.

Direct Line spokeswoman, Emma Holyer, said: "Parking is a bone of contention for most drivers in the UK, and our research shows that because of rocketing costs and limited spaces drivers are literally forced to wittingly break the law, and consequently be hit with fines in the process."