Controversial pay and display parking schemes across the borough face being abandoned in the face of overwhelming opposition by businesses and residents.

The cabinet member for highways on Redbridge Council, Cllr Michelle Dunn, told a town hall meeting on Thursday that she would urge her colleagues to scrap the plans for the restrictions where there were objections.

But Labour Cllr Wes Streeting called the move a “dramatic U-turn” on the parking proposals created by coalition members themselves.

Wanstead ward’s Cllr Dunn, who on Monday announced she was against the pay and display plans for High Street, Wanstead, told the full council meeting: “It is very clear that in most sites residents do not want these schemes at this time.

“I will be recommending that cabinet listens and does not continue with plans for pay and display where residents object to them.”

The council last month carried out a wide consultation on 13 new charging zones which could make �165,000 a year, and residents have been vocal at area committee meetings in their opposition to the plans.

A panel of business owners from High Street, Wanstead had earlier got the opportunity to be quizzed by councillors on their view of the scheme.

Speaking after the delegation, Cllr Streeting said he had recently visited the High Street for an Italian meal.

He added: “If I went back there I would still be able to see the tyre marks on the road from the dramatic U-turn this week.

“Is Cllr Dunn speaking as the cabinet member for highways or as a ward councillor?”

Mrs Dunn later replied: “This is not a U-turn, it is listening to the borough.”

She added: “I am pleased to see I’m getting everyone going tonight.”

She said she had heard evidence residents and businesses at some of the proposed sites would welcome paid parking schemes.

These are thought to include High Road, Chadwell Heath.

The fate of the pay and display zones will be decided by cabinet members at their meeting on September 6.