Small business owners say extended parking charges in Canberra's CBD will hurt their workers and their bottom lines.

From today motorists parking in Government-owned car parks in Civic and Acton will be hit with extended parking fees until 10:30pm on weekdays and all day on weekends.

Car parks affected include the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) site at Reid, Civic Pool, Canberra Theatre and the car park opposite Bailey's corner.

Motorists will now have to pay up to $5 to park in those areas from 5.30pm Monday to Thursday and from 9:00pm Friday, after midday on Saturday and all day Sunday.

Previously parking during these times has been free.

Part-owner of London Grill Cafe Sammy Marjan said the changes would hurt.

"This is unbelievable. I can't even think about them doing it in Canberra," he said.

"It hurts small business and it hurts everybody relying on night trade."

Assistant manager of Smoque restaurant Bruce Green said the extended times for parking fees would make "life very, very difficult for a lot of people".

"It is just too expensive and the money goes all the way till 10:30pm at night now," he said.

"I know people who park a couple of kilometres from here and ride skateboards in, and walk in because it is just too expensive when you get in here."

Young hospitality workers will be 'hit hardest'

Mr Green said the worst hit would be young staff members.

"Probably the most affected would be the workers," he said.

Hospitality worker Ross Green said young students working in cafes and restaurants would be hit hard by extra parking fees. ( ABC News: Lisa Mosley )

"They have to come in here and it depends if they stay in the nearby four hours parking, they will have to go out every four hours to replenish their parking."

Restaurant worker Ross Green said he would be hit hard by the extended fees.

"I honestly think it is absolutely ridiculous especially for all us students who are out here working and trying to make money at a restaurant," he said.

"Coming in we start at 5:00pm and we used to only have to pay till 5:30pm, now till 10:30 it is going to cost us $13 to $14 to park close by.

"$13 is an hour of my wage on a weekday so that is my whole hour gone. It is pointless."

The ACT Government flagged in the budget that parking charges at all town centres would increase by 6 per cent.

The maximum fee payable will be $14.9 for weekdays and $5 for weekends.

The most in-demand car parking areas were chosen for the extended charges.

The Government hoped by extending paid parking in those spots the turnover rate would be increased, making more spaces available.

Students attending evening TAFE classes at the CIT at Reid will also have to pay for parking.

In response, CIT Reid will open its staff parking for students at night, providing another 200 parking spots.

An ACT Government spokesperson warned parking inspectors would be out in force in the selected areas.

If drivers are found parking in a spot without a valid ticket the fine is $97.

Extended paid parking hours do not apply on public holidays and do not include on-street parking.