AN INFLUENTIAL Liverpool business leader last night condemned the city council’s plan to cut the level of free car parking in the city centre.

Jack Stopforth, chief executive of the Chamber of Commerce, said the council’s plan to charge motorists to park in city centre streets and car parks from 8am to 8pm would not help retailers.

Free parking in the city now starts at 6pm.

A council spokesman said the move was intended to reflect the fact many shops are now staying open longer than previously.

The council is also planning to step up enforcement of traffic infringements in district centres like Aigburth and Allerton, in a bid to raise an additional £540,000.

Residents living in areas where permits are needed are to be charged for the council to issue more than one visitor pass, a measure which is expected to raise £10,000.

All the parking proposals form part of the city council’s budget proposals for the next financial year.

Last night Mr Stopforth said: “It is absurd for the public purse to be giving help to banks and other sectors through national government, while the local authority is taking with the other.”