LIVERPOOL’S ruling Liberal Democrat group has clashed publicly over its proposal to increase parking charges times from 6pm to 8pm.

At a hearing of the parking scrutiny panel, Cllr Gary Millar, leader for enterprise and tourism, was accused of making contradictory statements by fellow Lib-Dem Eddie Clein.

Former education supremo Cllr Paul Clein revealed that the idea of extending parking hours had been considered by the ruling executive board last year but abandoned over fears of a public backlash.

He said he had therefore found it “bizarre” to see it appear in this year’s proposals, and only voted for the budget because of assurances a panel to hold an inquiry into parking charges would be set up.

The measure, which would raise an estimated annual £60,000 for the council, caused uproar within the business community.

Cllr Millar, who owns the Parr Street studios, appeared in front of the panel to speak in his official council role, but also as someone who lives and runs a business in the city centre.

He said: “Not one business has come to me as executive member for enterprise and tourism to complain about parking.”

He said most people going to Parr Street used public transport or taxis, and that he did not think that extending parking charging would have a big effect on the night-time economy.