The impact of controversial car parking charges introduced at Eaton Park on Saturday swiftly started to show.

At 9.10am on Sunday - a time when both car parks are usually busy - there was barely a vehicle in sight.

Helen Mitchell, chairwoman of the Friends of Eaton Park group said that the car parks had become "dangerously congested" and emphasised the environmental benefits.

Norwich Evening News: Helen Mitchell, chairwoman of Friends of Eaton ParkHelen Mitchell, chairwoman of Friends of Eaton Park (Image: Victoria Pertusa)

"The response to the charges has been unduly negative," she explained.

"It's a gentle encouragement - not that gentle for some, I know - but I think the council has listened."

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Season tickets cost £40 for six months and £70 a year - but are only valid for up to four hours a day. Blue badge holders can park for free.

The decision was made after a lengthy Norwich City Council consultation process, with a basic charge of £2 for four hours starting at midday on March 25.

Norwich Evening News: An empty car park at Eaton Park following the introduction of car parking charges at the popular green space on Saturday, March 25An empty car park at Eaton Park following the introduction of car parking charges at the popular green space on Saturday, March 25 (Image: Submitted)

"I think a minority of people will now not go," Helen added.

"Our city is rich in parklands and green spaces.

"Everyone in the city is within 15 minutes walk of somewhere.

"We need to find a sustainable way forward for the park - and driving short distances is not good for health or streets.

"It's important to encourage people to explore sustainable means of transport."

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However, Gabriel Evbota - who chairs the Norwich and District Sunday Football League and Norfolk FA Inclusion Strategy Advisory Group - said the knock-on effects of the parking charges are already showing.

Norwich Evening News: Gabriel EvbotaGabriel Evbota (Image: Gabriel Evbota)

"It was rather empty this weekend," he said. "But the side streets were packed.

"We did say this would happen. Clubs are already looking to move their pitches.

Norwich Evening News: Norwich Model Boat club vessels on the water at Eaton Park, where it has been based for almost 100 yearsNorwich Model Boat club vessels on the water at Eaton Park, where it has been based for almost 100 years (Image: Andrew Wolstenholme)

"People just can't afford it. The cost is astronomical and really adds up.

"How many people will now be deterred from or deprived from using it?

"This is just one obstacle too many.

"The council seems to have shot itself in the foot."