Ref. 29780STRANGE shapes have appeared in Wood Street in the run-up to the introduction of metered parking next week.

The new solar-powered meters come into use on Monday as part of a £12,000 council scheme to increase the amount of short-term parking in Old Town.

Solar panels provide the power for printing the tickets, and the new rules will be enforced by Swindon Council's 40-strong team of parking attendants.

Similar metered parking systems are also due to be installed in Market Square and Sanford Street in the town centre.

Richard Deacon, chairman of the Old Town Business and Professional Association, which campaigned for the short-term parking scheme, said he was pleased to see they had been installed.

"Hopefully this will encourage a better turnover of shopping traffic rather than people leaving their cars for long periods during the day," said Mr Deacon.

Drivers will pay 30p for 30 minutes in Wood Street and Market Square with a maximum stay of one hour.

In Sanford Street, drivers will pay 40p for up to 20 minutes, up to a maximum of one hour.

The aim is to improve the turnaround of customers in all three areas, in turn improving trade and business.