TRADERS have welcomed a plan to introduce pay and display street parking in Old Town.

The move comes as many shopkeepers in the area are complaining that traffic jams and the lack of parking spaces are driving customers away.

However, many say they would welcome the scheme, as it would encourage more rapid visitor turnover.

The council is asking people for their opinions about metering.

A new pay and display system could be in place by the summer, intended to provide additional short-stay parking while stopping all day parking.

Drivers would pay 40p to park for 20 minutes in Wood Street and 30p per 20 minutes in Market Square.

Richard Deacon, chairman of the Old Town Business and Professional Association, said members would welcome the use of ticketing to regulate short-term street parking.

He explained: "The parking spaces are constantly occupied, all day every day, and often by the same cars.

"Bringing in short-term parking charges will benefit retailers, as there will be a greater turnaround of drivers using the spaces and that will be at a reasonable cost."

Coun Mike Bawden, (Con, Old Town and Lawns) said: "Councillors have agreed in principle on the idea of new parking meters. This would be the first street parking meter project in the borough. The continuing redevelopment of Old Town has seen the loss of many short-term parking spaces. We need to encourage further use of the Wroughton Park and Ride for long-term parking."

The Federation of Small Businesses oppose council plans to reduce the number of parking spaces in the town centre.

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