Plans to increase car parking fees in three market towns have been pulled from a meeting just days before they were due to be discussed.

South Norfolk Council had been due to consider increasing fees for the first time in eight years at a meeting on Monday.

But the report has now been dropped from the meeting for more consideration, particularly on the introduction of parking fees on Sunday for the first time. 

Lisa Neal Cabinet member for stronger and greener economy said: “The report included a number of suggestions and options for councillors to consider about the future of on and off-street parking in South Norfolk.

"Quite rightly all options have been included for discussion but councillors feel that more thought is needed around some of the proposals, especially that of Sunday charging.

"Car parks are a vital element in improving access to our local businesses and high streets and we have invested in doubling the electric charging points in each of our market towns.

"All monies raised through car park charges are reinvested in the service to cover the costs of the upkeep and maintenance of the sites and it’s important that the cost of the service is paid for by the user rather than the general council taxpayer.”

The authority has kept fees static since 2016, while the initial price point of £1 has been unchanged since 2011. 

SNC owns 17 car parks - eight in Diss, two in Harleston, two in Loddon, one in Long Stratton and four in Wymondham. Harleston and Long Stratton are operated separately and will remain free.

The proposals would have seen all car parks to remain free for the first hour.

But after this, it would have been £2 for up to three hours, as opposed to £1 for two hours currently.

A ticket for four hours will be £5 for a short stay car park or £3 for a long stay. An all-day ticket will be £5.