RESIDENTS in Chippenham are being asked what they think of plans to introduce a parking permit scheme on some streets.

Wiltshire Council are attempting to find solutions to alleviate the town’s parking problems, which could include a residents’ parking scheme.

Coun Chris Caswill, who represents Monkton ward, said: “There’s a huge demand for residents’ parking but a resident parking scheme is only one solution to some of the issues.

“The big issue for me, and one I have spoken about for five or six years, is the area around the station and we have been saying to Wiltshire Council, Chippenham needs a large scale plan for parking.

“What we have been doing is adding little bits on a few streets here and there with more restrictions but all that does is push the traffic to the next street.”

“There are complications that need to be explored but let’s just not have a solution for a few streets.”

People are being asked to submit their views through Chippenham Town Council, who are acting as consultees.

People could have to pay for a residents’ parking permit, with no guarantee of a parking space in a designated zone.

Debbie Williams, the chairman of Chippenham Chamber of Commerce, said: “I think the parking situation needs addressing, There’s not enough parking in Chippenham and I think as a whole it does need looking at.

“I think Monkton Park is a target area for people using the train station and I think people try and park in the residential areas because of the cost of parking at the station.

“You can go to other towns and you don’t pay anywhere near as much.

“It’s great that residents and business commuters get the chance to have their say, it’s a great opportunity for people to get their views across.”

Robert Elkins, the chairman of accessibility and car parking for Chippenham BID, said: “As seen in Bristol, resident parking schemes need to be very carefully considered to address the impact they have on businesses, both in terms of customer and worker parking.”

Anyone wishing to get a parking scheme for their area can contact enquiries@chippenham.gov.uk.