THE councillor behind plans to scrap free parking in the East Riding has suggested a rethink over the proposals could be on the cards.

Councillor Felicity Temple offered hope to campaigners fighting against the idea, as the council announced dates for a series of consultation events across the area starting next month.

She said it was now up to the public to come up with alternative ideas for a "fair" parking policy across the East Riding.

Cllr Temple, who chaired a panel tasked with reviewing parking at council-run sites, said: "As a panel, we were determined that our proposals were not to simply raise revenue.

"Having said that, maintenance, business rates and enforcement on each car parking space have to be paid for somehow and, at the moment, half the county is paying for all the spaces.

"This is demonstrably not a fair situation and is a legacy from the previous boroughs and their different policies.

"We had suggested we introduce charges at the lowest possible level, i.e. 50p for one hour, or the equivalent of £1 for all day with an annual permit.

"This we felt would not be unreasonable, given that last year we raised charges in Bridlington and Beverley by 40p per hour and there the daily charge is more than £3.

"However, the economic climate has cast its shadow and we are now asking the public, through a series of nine roadshows, if they can suggest an alternative way of covering the costs."

Under the review panel's proposals, charges would be introduced at 20 car parks for the first time.

At the same time, reduced parking charges would come into force in 29 car parks where motorists currently have to pay to park.

However, the ideas have provoked a backlash in areas where parking is free.

A petition which is part of the Mail's Park The Charges campaign against the proposals has already attracted 25,000 signatures, while traders have organised protests in Anlaby, Hessle, Cottingham and Pocklington.

The consultation will see a series of roadshow-style exhibitions staged in locations across the East Riding.

Councillors who sat on the panel and council officers will be on hand to explain the proposals at each venue.

A final decision is not expected to be made until the early autumn.

The dates for the consultation roadshows are:

Thursday, April 2: Beverley Memorial Hall

Tuesday, April 7: The Maple Room, The Bell Hotel, Driffield

Monday, April 27: Goole Leisure Centre

Thursday, April 30: Gallery Suite, Royal Spa, Bridlington

Monday, May 11: Sixth form common room, Hornsea Secondary School

Thursday, May 14: South Holderness Technology College, Preston

Monday, May 18: Hessle Town Hall

Thursday, May 21: Stamford Bridge Rugby Club