It's just the same out here in the shires. My local council charges something in the region of £4 for 2 hours. I say "something" because as you might guess, and from my parent comment, I have no reason to go into the town, and that's what I can remember from about 3 or 4 years ago!

My council claim it's a source of revenue, but then moan that they own the shops in the town and no one is taking up leases. Local shop owners have begged the council to make the car parks free on a trial to see what happens, and the council's response was a) increase the parking fees, b) sell off a car park to a property developer who built an office block, c) sell off a second car park for some 'outdoor cafe culture' development with flats (because the UK is warm in the evenings all year round).