On-street parking plans for 30 Northern Ireland towns have been officially axed by a Stormont minister.

The U-turn follows a vigorous ‘Park The Charges' campaign spearheaded by the Belfast Telegraph.

Five days ago this newspaper revealed that the fees scheme — which was put forward by Sinn Fein’s Conor Murphy when he was Regional Development Minister — would not go ahead.

Yesterday, new incumbent Danny Kennedy confirmed the Department for Regional Development had axed the new charges.

“Given the tough economic climate that town centre businesses are operating in I do not believe it is the right time to be implementing such a widespread proposal,” said Mr Kennedy.

The minister said he proposes to offset the shortfall with a £2m saving by greater efficiency within his department and other cost-cutting measures.

Glyn Roberts, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association, said it was the right thing to do for local businesses. “This is a good day for devolution because it shows locally accountable ministers can and will change policy in a radical way,” he said.

”It is good news for our towns and city centres and it’s absolutely crucial at this time when we’re in the depths of a severe recession.

“The Belfast Telegraph, local traders and chambers of commerce all made a major contribution to the success of this campaign; winning it was essential for the economy.”

A Federation of Small Businesses study showed that 49% of its members feared tolls would have a detrimental effect on trading. believed on-street parking charges would have a “detrimental impact” on their livelihoods.

Roger Pollen, FSB Head of External Affairs, said the Department's decision was an important step on the road to economic recovery.

“Small business owners, shoppers and employees across Northern Ireland can breathe a collective sigh of relief at this news,” Mr

“While we welcome this decision, we must not, however, forget that town centres are still in a precarious position.”

Leading retail expert Donald McFetridge said the good news was a ray of sunlight in turbulent economic times.

“Already cash-strapped consumers who are making fewer and fewer car journeys are going to be delighted to hear that, for once, their voice has been heard and listened to,” he said.

Background

Our Park The Charges campaign supported traders in 30 towns. The fees would have been introduced in Antrim; Armagh; Ballycastle; Ballymena; Ballymoney; Ballynahinch; Banbridge; Bangor; Carrickfergus; Coleraine; Comber; Cookstown; Craigavon; Downpatrick; Dungannon; Enniskillen; Kilkeel; Larne; Lurgan; Limavady; Londonderry; Magherafelt; Newcastle; Newtownards; Omagh; Portadown; Portrush; Portstewart; Strabane and Warrenpoint.