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Earlier this year, when talks began about introducing more residents' parking schemes in Kettering, thousands of people were told the cost of the permit could be £60.
At that stage, it was thought the price of the permit had to be in-line with cha
rges set by Northamptonshire County Council.
Now the county councillor responsible for setting up the schemes has offered hope to residents who were unhappy at the proposed annual charge.
Cllr Bob Seery, cabinet member for transportation, has said he will look at each scheme in each town on its own merits and fix a price accordingly.
Addressing Kettering residents' fears about the suggested increase in parking permit prices, he said: "It would be difficult to justify an increase of that nature.
"I dealt with Northampton on its own because it's different to the rest of the county.
"I have given consideration at the same time on how it fits in with the rest of Northamptonshire.
"My conclusion is that we will have to look at each area on its own merits.
"I need to have the evidence and views of that community before making a decision."
He said he would consider a higher charge if a superior parking permit scheme was introduced, based on issues such as the number of parking spaces and the cost of running the scheme.
Cllr Seery said: "I don't think it will vary considerably from town to town but I would be surprised if there's no variation.
"I will also be carrying out a review of all the white lines in the roads."
There are currently 400 homes in its existing permit parking zones and Kettering Council is looking to extend that to another 4,600 homes.
The areas which would be covered include Hawthorn Road, streets around Wicksteed Park and roads near the hospital and the train station.
Lesley Smith, of Windmill Avenue, said she was concerned because she had been told that Blue Badge holders are still allowed to park in permit zones.
She said: "We don't mind who parks here but it makes a mockery of paying if we can't park outside our house.
"Why should we pay? It would be a waste to pay for the permit."
The full article contains 399 words and appears in Northants Evening Telegraph newspaper.
