A ?25 charge for residential parking permits will not be introduced for the foreseeable future.

Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne confirmed the position in Tynwald last night (Tuesday).

East Douglas MHK Brenda Cannell had called for the idea to be scrapped completely and said Douglas residents should not be charged for parking in residential areas which fall in disc zones.

However, Mr Gawne amended her motion after admitting his department’s proposal wasn’t going to work without more in-depth investigation.

Mr Gawne conceded his department had tried to put together a credible programme of cuts at short notice as part of its bid to raise ?500,000 during the current financial year.

However, he acknowledged there was no real time to discuss it in detail, even though there had been three public meetings on the issue before Christmas.

Mrs Cannell was backed in expressing unhappiness at a lack of consultation, by her East Douglas colleague government minister Chris Robertshaw.

He described the permit plan as a ‘hotch potch’ which would not work and was unfair for Douglas residents.

Ramsey MHK Leonard Singer said members were being asked to vote ‘never’ or ‘never say never’.

Ultimately, they opted for the latter by 22 votes to 8 and there will be no parking charge until Tynwald considers fully the pros and cons of such a charge.