A PILOT scheme for cheap parking in Malton could get the go-ahead after councillors agreed to look afresh at plans put forward by the Car Parking Action Group.

A tariff of £1.50 for all-day parking at Wentworth Street Car Park would encourage people to use it and spend more time in the town, says the group, which includes district councillor Paul Andrews, Gazette & Herald editor Chris Buxton, Fitzwilliam Estate manager Roddy Bushell and mayor of Malton Ann Hopkinson.

But Ryedale District Council's commercial services manager Phil Long told a meeting of its policy and resources committee that the £1.50 tariff could mean a loss in revenue for the council. The council's Car Parking Strategy Document suggests that the price of parking for more than six hours remain at £4.50, with a new tariff of £2.90 introduced for parking up to six hours.

However, councillors decided that the prices at Wentworth Street should be reconsidered.

Coun Helen Schroeder said: "I do think the Car Parking Action Group has put in a huge amount of work and some real research now into the possible effects of car parking charges in Malton. I think there are other things at play in Malton's downturn so I have quite a lot of sympathy with the arguments put forward."

But Coun Arthur Aslett said he disagreed with the idea of different tariffs for different towns.

He said: "Malton enjoys constant trade where Pickering benefits from the advantage of tourists. I'm against different prices in different car parks and towns because the people using them are paying the same council tax."

Coun Pamela Anderson said: "Looking at the car parking strategy, I consider option five, the development of individual towns, the most important thing happening and everything else should build up from there."

Coun Keith Knaggs said: "I think the action group has moved on a long way from where it started.

''I was impressed with its report, and I was impressed by the strategy document the officers produced.

''The only way to find out what makes a difference is to bring in a few pilots."

He suggested that the strategy document be referred back to the community services and licensing committee for it to consider a pilot scheme at Wentworth Street, and councillors agreed.

Updated: 14:59 Wednesday, February 08, 2006