CONTROVERSIAL plans to introduce evening charges at council-owned car parks in Dorset have been ‘paused’.

At a meeting on Tuesday (February 11), Dorset Council passed a budget which included proposals to introduce a £2.50 flat fee for vehicles parking between 6pm and 10pm.

However, the idea provoked a backlash, including from MP Simon Hoare (Con, North Dorset) who said he failed “to see how, financially, this will stack up given the costs needed to impose and enforce it”.

Now, the council has confirmed it is pausing the plan.

READ MORE: Council tax to rise and jobs could go as Dorset Council passes budget plan

“Having listened to initial concerns from councillors and the public, it is clear the introduction of such charges should not be decided until a thorough review of all parking services has taken place,” a spokesperson said.

“This review will commence as soon as possible and may take anything up to 6-9 months, as it will need to involve engagement with our residents, business owners, and local members.

“This will give us a better understanding of changing trends in car park usage, how the location of our car parks affects parking behaviour, and the impact of all parking charges on residents, visitors, and local businesses.

“Therefore, we will not be progressing the introduction of evening and overnight parking charges at this time.

“We will keep everyone informed as to the progress of the parking review, including when they can contribute to the process.”

The budget included measures aimed at addressing spiralling costs for services, particularly in children’s and adults social care, with the authority’s share of council tax set to rise by just under 5%.