CITY bosses have been asked to scrap parking fees across Southampton until next year.

Conservative councillors have asked civic chiefs to suspend all parking charges within the city until January 2021 "at the earliest" in a bid to support local businesses.

In a motion Cllr David Fuller said the move would also help protect jobs and reduce the financial burden on residents.

Council leader Christopher Hammond said scrapping parking fees will have "a minimum impact" and will not unleash the city's potential.

But Cllr Fuller said

: "We need to do more to protect businesses here in Southampton. By suspending these charges we will remove a barrier. By removing them we will encourage people spending more money within our city. The council needs to do this to encourage residents to return to the high street as without that support many local businesses will have to make redundancies. Removing as many obstacles as possible should be the priority focus of this council."

Cllr Fuller moved the motion during Southampton City Council's full council meeting held on July 15. But Cllr Steve Leggett, cabinet member for green city and place, said parking charges ensure a turnover of vehicles within parking bays in the city.

He added: "I agree with Cllr Fuller about getting extra visitors to the city centre. I just don't agree with the proposals."

He told councillors that scrapping parking fees would result in a £4m income loss . He said the proposals would be counter-productive to the council's Green Transport Recovery Plan. "Because that would encourage people to drive. The recovery of the local economy is vital in a safe and active manner," he said.

Cllr Leggett stressed the council is continuing to support businesses through a number of measures including grants. The motion was not passed.