COUNCILLORS are set to come down on the side of drivers and snub the chance to introduce on-street parking charges - despite the possibility of raising around £700,000 a year if payment was brought in.

Cumbria County Council said up to £700,000 could be raised every year and ploughed back into roads maintenance – but only if the local area committee wanted to introduce them to their areas.

Concerns were raised that meters, machines and double yellow lines could be on the way after “behind the scenes” talks between county council managers and councillors.

But the controversial new on-street parking charges look unlikely to get the go-ahead across South Lakeland and Barrow after a lukewarm response from local councillors.

Cllr Nick Cotton, who chairs South Lakeland Local Committee, said there were “no plans” to introduce on-street parking charges in the district.

But he said local committees had a duty to look at “improving” parking.

That could involve schemes to help residents or generating a turnover of parking spaces in town centres so they were not occupied all day.

Cllr Cotton said: “It’s a very emotive subject. Even if you invested the money in new signs, lines, potholes or drains, it’s a brave decision to make. You would need to demonstrate the benefit that would come from it. The people I feel most sorry for are those who live on residential streets who have to put up with people who leave their car blocking their drive all day because they won’t pay £1 to park.”

And Cllr Kevin Hamilton, the chairman of Barrow Local Committee, has confirmed that he is not a "fan" but said his committee would take its own view at some point in 2019.

"I personally don't think it's a good idea - it's not something we would look to bring in."

The issue of parking charges was fiercely opposed in 2014 with petitions, rallies and public protests. Council bosses have said any decision is up to local area committees.

Leaked documents showed that £700,000 could be generated every year from on-street parking charges across South Lakeland, Barrow, Eden, Carlisle, Allerdale and Copeland.

A single parking machine servicing 10 spaces could generate £31,000-a-year or a £20,000 “surplus” once the £11,000 cost of the machine had been deducted, council documents showed.