Wirral Council has launched a consultation exercise inviting residents to support or object to the introduction of new car parking charges affecting locations where parking is currently free.

The consultation, which is open now and runs until Christmas Eve, follows the decision made by the council's Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee in the summer – and subsequently backed by the Decision Review Committee – to standardise charges in existing pay-to-park locations and introduce charges to more parking areas.

This policy, says the council, will allow it to "provide a fair and sustainable parking policy, and continue to provide public car parks and access areas into the future in a fair and sustainable manner, given the financial strains on other areas."

It's estimated the strategy will raise an additional £500,000 in revenue and play a part in helping the council achieve a balanced budget going forward.

Which indeed it must…Find out more about the council's cash crisis by clicking or tapping here.

Blue (disabled) badge holders would be exempt from the requirement to pay for parking as long as a valid badge is clearly displayed.

There are many Wirral car parks in question, so we have tried to identify those relevant to our readership. The question is, would you be happy to pay to park here?

- Banks Road Car Park, Heswall

- Fishers Lane Car Park, Pensby

- Church Road Car Park, Bebington

- Thurstaston Common Car Park, Thurstaston.

A very non-scientific trawl through comments left on social media by our readers in the past suggests that many believe easier, cheaper or free parking will help support local independent retailers and do something to boost the visitor economy.

On the other hand, Wirral Council is in a financial headlock.

You can find out more about the parking survey and take part by clicking or tapping here.