Night-time car park fee plan paused

Currently, nearly all of Dorset Council's car parks are free after 18:00

A council has put its plans to start charging for evening and overnight parking on hold.

Dorset Council said it had paused the idea while a "thorough review of all parking services" take place.

The authority said the review, set to involve residents along with business owners, would take between six and nine months.

Parking is currently free after 18:00 in nearly all of Dorset Council's car parks.

The authority recently voted to bring in a new £2.50 charge between 18:00 and 08:00.

It also proposed overnight permits, allowing parking between 17:00 and 09:00, costing about £50 a year.

The council said it was set to open a public consultation on the proposed changes for residents and businesses to contribute to the process.