EVENING parking charges in Southampton city centre are set to come back after the city council’s Labour cabinet dismissed the Tory opposition’s calls to change its mind.

A consultation on the reintroduction of the charges garnered more than 400 objections.

But the council is confident says that the charges will help the turnover of car parking spaces which will mean that more people can find a space.

Councillor Eamonn Keogh, cabinet member for transport said: “It’s important we ensure parking spaces are available for visitors, people who work in the night-time economy etc.”

Cllr Keogh said the additional income will support other areas of transport improvement such as roads and buses.

READ MORE: Businesses welcome plans to scrap evening parking charges in Southampton

He said: “As an administration we are spending a record amount on improving our highways.’ The council will review the charges in four months to see if it is as successful as it hopes it will be.

Councillor Lorna Fielker, cabinet member for health, adults and leisure, who stood in for council leader Satvir Kaur at cabinet meeting on Tuesday, agreed to have a four-month review.

Cllr Fielker said: “We have listened – that’s why the four-month review is going on.

“I think it’s the right thing to do at the right time and we will look again in four months.”

Between 6pm and 8pm, through Monday to Saturday, on-street charges will by 50p for up to 30 minutes, £1 for an hour, £.50 for 90 minute and £2 for two hours.

Off-street charges between 6pom and midnight will be £1 for up to an hour, or £2 for more than an hour.