TODAY is D-Day for free parking in the Forest of Dean.

Tonight council leaders are expected to vote to end free parking in our market towns in an effort to raise up to £250,000 for their coffers.

Tonight the Cabinet is expected to rubber stamp the plans to charge 40p for the first hour, 70p for up to two hours, £1.00 for up to three hours, £1.20 for up to four hours and £1.50 for more than four hours.

The charges will be introduced in nine out of the 18 car parks in July 2012.