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A decision over the introduction of parking charges on the front along Wirral's coastline won't be made until well in to next year.
At a meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee this week, the council agreed to pause the standardisation of charges at car parks and the introduction of fees along the front in places including West Kirby, Hoylake and Meols.
Instead, a comprehensive "root and branch" review of the parking strategy will take place, including considering the introduction of permits for residents.
The meeting was told that due to the detailed nature of the work, a recommendation will not be put to councillors until at least the end of the municipal year next March.
The move has been welcomed by local business and residents' group One West Kirby, whose representatives spoke at the meeting.
They called for a cross-council approach, bringing together expertise from economic development, regeneration, tourism, culture and public health alongside highways and transport to examine the impact of parking on businesses, visitor behaviour, hospitality and town centre vitality.
Iona Horsburgh, Co-Chair of One West Kirby, said: "This is a positive and constructive outcome. We have always believed that parking policy should be shaped by evidence and by a clear understanding of what our communities need. Parking is not simply about managing traffic; it is also about supporting thriving town centres, independent businesses, tourism, regeneration and healthier communities.
"We look forward to seeing a Parking Strategy that supports not only sustainable transport, but also thriving town centres, independent businesses, tourism, regeneration and vibrant coastal communities."
Dawn Wormell, Co-Chair of One West Kirby added: "We would also like to place on record our sincere thanks to Councillor Paula Basnett for the positive and constructive way she chaired the meeting. Her willingness to listen and create the space for a genuine discussion helped move the debate beyond parking charges alone and towards the bigger strategic question of what parking should achieve for Wirral.
"We are also extremely grateful to our local councillors for continuing to champion the views of residents and businesses and for securing confirmation that no further parking charge proposals will come forward until the Parking Strategy has been refreshed."
The move was also welcomed by West Kirby councillor Jeff Green who told the meeting the charges would have been "an absolute disaster".
