“If parking prices continue to rise we will be forced to review the viability of the Westgate cinema. “This is something we never thought we would have to do.”

Bunger argued that a £2 flat rate to use Pound Lane currently in place between 21:00 and 07:30 GMT should be offered from 18:00.

Clare Millett, chief executive of nearby events venue Westgate Hall, said the business faces a potential loss of £40,000 in 2025 as a direct result of the increases.

“They are killing businesses with uniform parking charges,” he told a cabinet meeting.

In April, the council divided all its sites into five price bands, charging the highest rates on the most used.

For some car parks in Whitstable, it meant increases of £2.10 per hour.

Rickets said: “The simple fact is that we are in a financial situation where we are forced to do these types of things.”

A public consultation on the plans will be open between November 14 and January 6.