Councillors have vowed to continue their fight against new parking charges in a town if their fears about an impact on trade are realised.

Parking meters have been installed this week in Brighouse, where on-street parking charges are being introduced for the first time.

It follows a decision taken by Calderdale Council 18 months ago, which residents, traders and councillors have long-objected to.

They believe the current situation with free on-street parking in the town works well and fear that as all cars will need a ticket, people will grow frustrated and avoid town centre businesses as a result.

The new charging scheme allows for the first half an hour to be free, and then to park for 30 minutes to an hour will cost 20p. But all those parking will need a ticket, even if simply stopping for less than 30 minutes.

It is expected that now the meters have been installed, the charges will begin in about four weeks time, and will affect the following streets: Bethel Street, Bradford Road, Briggate, Commercial Street, Gooder Street, King Street, Market Street and Park Street.

Councillor Scott Benton, leader of the Conservative group on the Council, who represents Brighouse, said the current situation worked well as there was a frequent turn-around of vehicles with spaces available to people to park up to do their shopping. He added that with two supermarkets on the edge of the town centre, the worry was that these large stores would benefit from extra trade, as people are put off trying to find a spot in the town centre.

Cllr Benton said: “We will be working with the traders to monitor the impact of the charges closely and will continue to fight these if they impact upon trade as we suspect.”

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhood Services, Cllr Susan Press, said:

“It has been some time since the Council reviewed parking in the borough. We’ve looked at tariffs right across Calderdale to ensure that they reflect the individual requirements of each town, with charges reducing in some areas and increasing in others.

“The changes have been carefully planned taking into account the need to provide good quality, affordable and competitive parking, whilst also encouraging a good turnover of spaces to increase availability.

“The introduction of on-street parking charges in Brighouse and Hebden Bridge was agreed in December 2016, with changes advertised in local papers and signage in affected areas ahead of a formal consultation in May 2017. Feedback from this consultation was taken into account when preparing final proposals.

“The planned on-street charges include an initial 30 minutes free parking, with a 20p charge per half hour after this time. The time limits of the streets where charges are being introduced are not being changed.

“The proposed introduction date is scheduled for late-June, however, this will be confirmed nearer the time. All machines that have been installed have been shrink-wrapped so they cannot be used until the scheme goes live.”