FREE parking after 6pm in Liverpool city centre could be saved by a backbench revolt among the ruling Liberal Democrat administration.

Last night, senior Lib-Dem councillor Eddie Clein, chairman of the regeneration select committee, said he believed the extension of charging from 6pm to 8pm was “not likely to happen”.

He said there was now no question of charging on roads, like Hope Street, where there was no nearby public off-street parking available. The Daily Post understands there is “deep disquiet” among a number of Lib-Dems about the controversial plans, due to be approved in the annual budget meeting of March 4.

With the party enjoying only a one-seat majority in the Town Hall – and an amendment changing the plan having already been set down by the Labour group – it now looks unlikely the measure could win majority approval.

But a council U-turn was immediately denied by deputy leader Flo Clucas, who insisted the plan would stay in the budget: “As far as I am concerned, the budget has been set.”

That could mean Cllr Clein and other backbenchers trying to change it at scrutiny stage.

Liverpool business leaders, who have furiously complained against the plans, said they were pleased some councillors were listening to their concerns.

The council has also set up a review of parking policy across the whole of Liverpool to see whether it needs updating.

Cllr Clein made his comments after a 1½-hour meeting with council leader Warren Bradley, deputy leader Flo Clucas, and regeneration leader Peter Millea.

Last week it was revealed that Liverpool would become the only northern city to charge to park on its streets after 6.30pm, if a new regime were introduced in April.

Cllr Clein took up the cause of businesses that were angry at the council’s proposal to extend charging for parking for both on and off-street parking from 6pm until 8pm, to raise an additional £110,000.

Last night, Cllr Clein said: “There will still be a £110,000 saving to the council as a result of parking measures. However, £50,000 is going to come from closing the Mount Pleasant car park earlier.”

It is open until midnight, but few use it until then. By closing it at 8pm, £50,000 could be saved on staff costs and lighting.

“The other £60,000 is not very difficult to raise.”

He said the council was exploring other ways of raising the £60,000, so the local authority will “probably not go along the route of charging for parking after 6 o’clock in the evening.

“I am still very hopeful we will be able to squash it altogether.”