PROPOSALS  to scrap parking fees across Southampton until next year have been quashed.

After a heated debate last night, civic chiefs did not back a motion asking for Southampton City Council to scrap fees for both car parks and on-street parking until spring 2021.

The move was proposed by the city's Conservative group.

Speaking at the full council meeting held last night, leader of the opposition Cllr Dan Fitzhenry said the move would encourage people to come to the city and it would support businesses.

But council leader Christopher Hammond said the authority is focusing on long-term plan for the city.

Moving the motion Cllr Fitzhenry said: "We believe this is the right thing to do to support people in the short-term. There are a number of people claiming Universal Credit and a large number of people on the furlough scheme which shows us that we have a very very vulnerable scenario. Here is why Labour should take this on. "

He said that the Tories believe that in the long-term schemes which would encourage people to cycle or use public transport should be supported.

But he said that in the short-term scrapping parking fees will help the local economy.

Cllr John Hannides added: "We have a chance to send a strong message to the region that if you want to come and shop in Southampton and do business in Southampton during this difficult time we are here to help and to encourage you to do that."

But hitting back Cllr Hammond said: "It's populism, it's not addressing the challenge facing the city. People in this city want a hopeful future for the city. We are working for the long-term, for investment in the city and a one-off approach seems to be the only policy they can come up with. They can't think of anything else, they have got no plan, no idea of how to tackle climate emergency and how to tackle economic recovery. This is one element."

The motion was not supported.

The news comes as a similar motion put forward by the Tories in July was also turned down.

At the time 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 said the proposals would be counter-productive to the council’s Green Transport Recovery Plan “because that would encourage people to drive”.

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