Ref. 14520-15IT'S been getting Swindonians hot under the collar for years.

Now an end to town's parking woes is in sight.

But the woman heading the taskforce, comprising of both councillors and residents, warns there will be no quick fix.

A report with detailed recommendations is due to be published next month, offering a glimmer of hope to thousands of residents who struggle to find a space near their homes.

It follows a series of public meetings and workshops, held last month at the Civic Offices, designed to thrash out ideas.

Three main suggestions have emerged from the consultations.

Coun Jemima Milton, lead member for transport and the environment, believes residents hold the key for change.

"The recommendations to be published in this report are the ideas put forward by around 30 residents, who attended the four workshops," she said. "They were all useful suggestions and they are now being written up into this report.

"The process will cause some controversy, because people do not like change. But they also do not like not having anywhere to park their car.

"Even if Swindon Council was to limit the number of permits to just one per household we would still have problems."

Swindon is divided into 12 parking zones. In Zone A, which includes the area around Crombey Street and Kingshill there are 837 households but just 251 parking spaces.

Coun Milton added: "The simple fact of the matter is that there are many more households than there are car parking spaces."

A final decision is likely around September once the cabinet has examined the report and its recommendations.

Pensioner Alan Maggs, of Belle Vue Road, in Old Town, said the report is a step in the right direction.

Although he has a small drive on which to park his car, he says the lack of spaces proves problematic for visitors and his neighbours.

The 69-year-old said: "There are just four car parking spaces for people living on the hill.

"Everyone else has to walk to the bottom to use the ones there. It isn't very convenient."

Last summer responsibility for parking was shifted from the police to Swindon Council.

An army of 40 attendants now patrol the town hunting down rogue parkers.

In the first week more than 400 fines £60 fines were issued.

Review visitor permits

A review of visitor permits. At the moment each household, not taking into account its size, is issued with 50 24-hour permits and 50 three-hour passes. Many residents feel that the number of occupants should be taken into account.

Review yellow lines

A review on the use of double yellow lines, allowing people to park in areas which are now illegal.

Create more car parks

An increase in car parks, allowing people to park safely near to their homes.

Kevin Shoesmith