The Vale Council has scrapped controversial plans to charge for parking in many car parks and high streets across the Vale of Glamorgan.
The U-Turn means that the Vale of Glamorgan Council will no longer bring forward plans for charges for on-street parking within town centres or coastal resorts.
The Council Leader had been under pressure to drop the plans, with Conservatives leading opposition to the scheme which would have been “disastrous” for businesses in some already struggling High Streets.
Leader of the Vale Conservatives, Cllr Vince Bailey, said:
“At last, common sense has prevailed, and the Vale Council has finally addressed many of our concerns. As Leader of the Conservative Group I have been vocal in calling for the Council to scrap them altogether.
“The original proposals brought forward by Labour’s colleagues in the Independent Group would have been an unmitigated disaster for High Streets, parks and coastal resorts throughout the Vale and it’s a relief to see that their influence on important policy decisions has now been kicked to the curb.
“Clearly there are still some areas of concern within these proposals and we will continue to press for a parking policy that works for residents and traders. However, these proposals are a significant improvement and we are pleased the the Cabinet have responded to public pressure”.