RESIDENTS and businesses will have their chance to speak to the council about plans to introduce pay and display parking in Beaconsfield Old Town.

It has been proposed that up to 45 spaces in Beaconsfield Old Town could turn in to short-term pay and display parking to ease parking congestion and locals can now have their say in a public consultation.

There are currently no parking restrictions on the common land in Beaconsfield and there are spaces for 425 cars to park. However, some cars are left throughout the day and therefore they don’t leave enough spaces for shoppers.

South Bucks District Councillor Nick Naylor, Portfolio Holder for Environment, said: “Introducing new parking controls would allow people to visit the Old Town knowing that finding somewhere to park near the shops won’t be a problem.

“I would encourage as many people as possible to take part in the consultation and have their say.”

The current proposal by the council would see approximately 10 per cent of the parking in the Old Town be paid for from Monday to Saturday between 8am and 6pm.

There will a charge of 50p for up to half an hour, a charge of £1.10 for an hour, £1.60 for two hours and £2.10 for three hours, the maximum allowed stay.

A survey undertaken by RTA Associates Ltd., who are consulting with locals on behalf of the South Bucks District Councils, completed a survey in 2010.

Results showed locals believed that the current parking situation frequently exceeds the capacity of spaces leading to obstructive parking and there are also conflicting demands for the available parking spaces from workers, visitors and shoppers.

The consultation with RTA Associates Ltd will be held until March 21, and locals are being asked to give their thoughts.

There will be a drop in centre at the Fitzwilliams Centre in Windsor End on Wednesday 19th February from 2pm. to 8pm. Residents can also answer a questionnaire on the matter by visiting: www.southbucks.gov.uk/beaconsfieldconsultation