Earlier this year, the authority announced it was planning to increase residents' parking permits in Northampton from £25 to £40, as part of a controversial overhaul of charges in and around the town centre.

The proposed shake-up was delayed by county councillors last month after reports in the Chronicle & Echo prompted protests over a lack of public consultation.

A final decision will now be made in June after people affected by the plans have been given the chance to have their say.

Councillor Bob Seery (Con, Thrapston), the council's cabinet member for roads and transport, said: "I have arranged for this matter to be fully reviewed and for more effective, meaningful consultations to be carried out before a formal decision is made."

As well as the increase in the cost of residents' parking permits in Spring Boroughs, St James, Billing Road and Alcombe Road in The Mounts, the county council has proposed scrapping free visitors' passes in favour of vouchers costing £10 for a book of 50.

The plans also include increasing the cost of business permits from £250 to £350 and a 25 per cent rise in the cost of on-street parking for shoppers in the town centre.

Councillor Seery said an overhaul of parking charges was overdue because they had remained at the same levels since 2001.

But he was forced to delay their implementation, originally planned for May 5, because the public had not been given enough advance warning.

During a cabinet meeting last month, he admitted: "We have certainly not communicated this matter very well. We need to slow down the process to ensure it is done properly and the right decision is reached."

Independent borough councillor Tony Clarke, whose Castle Ward includes The Mounts, where the permit charges are being increased, said he welcomed the consultation.

But he added: "Before even thinking about raising charges, the county council has to look at residents' current complaints, such as lack of parking and overzealous ticketing.

"Residents do not get value for money at the current rate, so if there is to be an increase, it would have to be matched by action to improve the scheme overall."

Comments on the plans can be made to Rachel Evans at the county council on revans@northamptonshire.gov.uk, or by calling Northampton 236236.

The matter will be discussed at the council's parking committee meeting on Thursday, May 22.