CONTROVERSIAL plans to introduce parking charges in Newport will be debated by councillors tomorrow (Wednesday) after thousands signed a petition in protest.

Almost 4,000 people signed a petition asking the council not to implement parking charges in Newport — and to instead work with local businesses to improve usage of Isle of Wight Council car parks.

Traders on Nodehill, Newport — officially known as Upper St James St — have previously warned removing free parking and charging for overnight parking on the street would be ‘another nail in the coffin for small business’.

A similar petition relating to parking in Ryde went before the council at the end of November, with members voting to reconsider the charges.

A proposal has been put forward by Newport councillor, Geoff Brodie, asking that: “Cabinet reconsider the proposed new parking charges in Newport in their 2019-20 Budget recommendation to full council.”

However, an amendment to this motion has also been submitted by Cllr Chris Whitehouse.

This amendment states the consultation includes options, not proposals for parking charges, and welcomes the commitment of the cabinet to reconsider all of those options.

It adds that: “An Island-wide review of parking charges is already being undertaken by officers and the lead member to ensure they are equitable, easily understood, widely advertised and strike the right balance between the need to manage traffic, the convenience of residents, and the viability of local businesses.”

The issue will be debated at full council, tomorrow (Wednesday), at 6pm at County Hall.