Ref. 29551-19As Swindon's parking crisis grows, a major rethink of the council's strategy, spearheaded by transport leader Jemima Milton, is set to take place and could see permit holders using car parks to help ease the pressure on our roads.

FREE council car parking could be used to take the pressure off Swindon's traffic-clogged side streets.

The idea is one option that will be considered if Swindon Council opts for a major review aimed at ending parking chaos in the Eastcott, Lawn, Old Town and Central wards.

Frustrated motorists have complained bitterly because, although they pay £12 a year for permits, they are frequently unable to park near their homes.

The situation has got so bad that many find themselves having to fork out £30 fines because they have been forced to park illegally.

At the last count, the council had issued 4,592 permits, although it has only 3,477 spaces.

Residents say the problem has worsened since the council took over patrolling yellow lines from the police in September.

Drivers are increasingly using reserved bays rather than parking on double-yellow lines, where illegally parked vehicles are more obvious.

Whereas the police had just one traffic warden before September 1 last year, the council now has an army of 20 parking attendants on patrol at any one time.

Now, the council's decision-making cabinet is being urged to find a solution. A report due to come before members tomorrow calls for a full review of residents' parking.

Allowing permit holders to use council car parks for free, or at a reduced cost, at night is one option being put forward.

Car parks that could be used include Prospect Place, Britannia Place, The Planks (by the Locarno and Old Town Hall), Bath Road, Brunel West, Granville Street and Swindon College.

Another idea is to limit the number of permits to one per household.

The review would be spearheaded by Coun Jemima Milton (Con, Wroughton and Chiseldon), lead member for environment and transport.

Coun Milton stressed that residents would play a key role in framing future policy, which could come into effect in August.

She said: "This would be a thorough review and we would hold public meetings."

Although residents questioned by the Adver expressed support for using car parks, Tony Foss, head of parking at Swindon Council, is not in favour. He said: "The car parks are often a long way from people's homes. This would incur a significant loss of revenue for the council."

Residents say action is urgently needed. Georgina Buckingham, 37, of North Street, Old Town, said: "Last night, I had to drive around the block seven times because there was nowhere to park. Opening the car parks at night would solve the problem."

Justin Linnegar, 38, of Western Street, Old Town, said: "Parking is horrendous at night.''

The cost of a residents' parking permit is due to be frozen at £12 for the next financial year starting next month.

The options that are under consideration are: Provide free or cheap night time parking in council-run car parks; ration permits to one per household; allocate visitor permits by household, rather than by individuals; review the hours of permit parking; create pay and display areas in residential streets, with free areas for permit holders; introduce special permits for council staff who are on official business.

Tamash Lal