Controversial parking charge hikes branded the “final nail in the coffin” for struggling traders are set to be imposed despite a huge public backlash. Canterbury City Council wants to increase fees to as much as £3.70 an hour at premium sites across the district. Free parking concessions will also be scrapped in Herne Bay and Whitstable, with the latter set to become one of the most expensive places to park on the UK coast. There had been hope the swell of opposition that emerged during a public consultation would see councillors go back to the drawing board, but little change has been made to…