THE county's controversial plans to introduce uniform car-parking charges are to go ahead.

A bid to keep the charges waiting for further consultation fell to a 36-18 vote at Herefordshire Council last week.

Councillors generally votedalong party lines to push the charges through by January.

The result is a relief to the council's ruling Conservative /Independent alliance. Defeat would have tested the alliance's credibility with bigger debates such as council tax on the way.

The main attack on the charges came from Liberal Democrat and Labour councillors.

Councillor Terry James, leader of the opposition, slammed the charges as a 'stealth tax set way above inflation'.

There was, he said, widespread anger at the 'high-handed, ill-thought and ill-judged' proposal.

Labour leader Councillor Chris Chappell said town and parish councils were the best judges of parking charges and their effect on communities.

He urged: "Let them make the decision."

The motion put by Coun James and seconded by Coun Chappell would have seen further consultation. But this option fell at the vote.

Speaking after the meeting, Councillor Mike Wilson, cabinet member for highways and transportation, said the charges achieved 'some form of fairness' to pay parking in the county.

"We now have the mandate to proceed."

Communities still have time to cite 'genuine reasons' for altering a specific charge. There will also be a full review of parking strategy as a whole.