MAJOR changes to parking regulations in East Lothian – including the introduction of parking charges in towns, in council-run car parks and for residents’ permits – have been sent back to the drawing board after Conservative and SNP councillors refused to give their backing.

The plans were due to go out for public consultation but the proposal has now been continued for further discussion.

READ MORE: Plans for drastic parking changes stall

Among the proposals put forward under the parking management plan were:

1. £40 annual fee for residents’ parking permit.

2. Extension of coastal car parking charges to current exempt sites at Thorntonloch, Skateraw and Aberlady Nature Reserve.

3. Addition of Morrison’s Haven and the Ash Lagoons to coastal car parking charge sites.

4. New park and ride facilities in Tranent (on the western edge of the town near the Jet garage) and Dunbar (either by West Barns Bowling Club or Dunbar Leisure Club).

5. Extend Controlled Parking Zones in town centres to restrict stop times and/or ban parking between 8.30am and 6.30pm.

6. Introduce new powers to license private car parks and set their parking tariffs. Council-owned free car parks which could see charges introduced include the long-stay car park beside Tesco, Haddington, which has 138 spaces; Gracefield, behind The Brunton, Musselburgh, which offers 94 spaces; The Glebe and Imperial car parks in North Berwick, which offer 148 spaces between them; and the Bleachingfield in Dunbar, which has 67 spaces.