Fears parking costs across the country could increase as merger proposed

The price of parking across the country could increase significantly if a proposed merger goes ahead.

The two largest players in the parking and payment industry, Orikan and Duncan Solutions, are proposing a merger of their companies.

The two operate most of the parking meters across the country.

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Industry experts say the merger could create a monopoly, meaning the companies would have free and unchallenged reign to hike up prices as they please.

"The normal market actions that constrain pricing and encourage service levels to improve will be removed," Saxon Hill from Vehicle Monitoring Systems told 9News.

"So the experience of the Australian driving public will just get worse."

Orikan has already come under fire this year for its parking meters in North Sydney.

The meters force drivers to pay using their phones via a QR code or app, only to charge an 8.25 per cent fee on top of the parking rate.

The other issue with the meters is that they do not accept cash, making it difficult for elderly people to use them if they aren't up to date with the latest technology.

Resident Simon Berry challenged North Sydney Council over the parking scheme because the fees weren't adequately disclosed.

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Now, he's concerned a merger between the two companies would create even more issues for motorists.

"I'm concerned that they might change some of the features that are already in place and are free to customers in an attempt to make more money."

The merger proposal between Orikan and Duncan is being considered by the consumer watchdog, the ACCC.

The decision is due next month.