Plans to scrap free parking back on the table

Plans to scrap free parking at council sites in the East Riding of Yorkshire are to be discussed again.

Proposals to introduce charges at 14 locations in towns and villages were put on ice last autumn.

At the time, traders voiced concerns about the loss of free parking, with one business owner in Cottingham warning it would "absolutely kill" her village.

However, a new report on the issue states that the introduction of parking fees will be considered in each area on a "case by case basis" following consultation with local communities.

The potential changes could affect car parks in Anlaby, Cottingham, Goole, Hedon, Hessle, Pocklington and Willerby.

Presenting the report at East Riding of Yorkshire Council's scrutiny committee, councillor Sean McMasters said it was a "move away from the current one-size-fits-all policy".

In response, councillor Phillip Redshaw said he welcomed the "much more consultative tone of the report", adding that "the needs of each community look set to be considered now".

The proposals will be voted on by the full council at the end of June.

The meeting heard that there would be an eight-week public consultation before any new parking charges were introduced.

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