Free half-hour parking spaces could be introduced in a Black Country town centre following a backlash from traders over new on-street charges.

Walsall Council chiefs are now considering a 30-minute amnesty for motorists on its car parks.

It would let people make short town centre shopping trips, boosting trade for suffering businesses.

Seven hundred people signed a petition against introducing pay-and-display machines in 19 streets. It was presented to Parliament by Walsall South MP Valerie Vaz this week.

Now transport bosses are reviewing parking and the number of people using council-owned car parks.

One of the options being looked at is to waive parking charges for half an hour. It is unlikely to apply to on-street spaces as it would be difficult to monitor.

To read our stories in full, log in to the premium 24 website.