Christchurch City Council has u-turned on car park enforcement and has decided to waive parking fees in the central city until at least 28 May.

Council earlier this week said parking enforcement would return to the central city on Monday.

But following a public backlash, the organisation changed its mind.

In a statement, council says “people using  on-street pay-by-plate parking or the Lichfield Street and Christchurch Art Gallery parking buildings do not need to pay.”

“However, people parking in time-restricted on-street parking spaces will need to adhere to the time limits or face getting ticketed. The time restrictions on pay-by-plate spaces will also still apply and will be enforced as well.”

“Enforcing time limits ensures that parking in the central city turns over, which supports businesses.”

The Council will make a decision on when it will resume charging for parking when it meets on Thursday 28 May.