PROPOSALS to extend car parking charges in Liverpool from 6pm until 8pm were slammed last night by a council committee.

Members of the parking scrutiny committee, who have been conducting an inquiry into the proposals, warned the change could be the “kiss of death for small businesses.”

Liverpool City Council announced the planned extension earlier this year, claiming it could generate £60,000 which would be ploughed back into local transport schemes.

But members of the scrutiny committee yesterday criticised the council for being motivated by “financial incentive” and branded the proposals “ill-thought-out.” The committee unanimously condemned the council’s failure to consult on its proposals, which would make Liverpool the only major Northern city to charge for car parking after 6.30pm.

Cllr Alan Dean said: “The lack of consultation was a glaring error. In the current economic situation, it doesn’t assist businesses to put a punitive parking charge in place.

“These proposals are not evidence-based and are motivated by financial incentive. They are ill-conceived and ill thought-out.”

The committee expressed concern about the impact of extending parking charges on Liverpool One where shops are obliged by their lease to stay open until 8pm.