RESIDENTS will be asked for their views on how to alleviate parking problems on Chesham's crowded streets.

A number of options have been put forward to ease congestion on the narrow streets in the town centre after many residents said it was their main concern about living in Chesham.

The parking situation on 44 roads around the town has been reviewed by contractor Jacobs Engineering over the past year and the plans are to go on display at a Town Hall meeting next month.

Chesham Town Council members are looking for residents' opinions on the proposals before they are then passed on to the county council, which is responsible for highway matters in Bucks.

Town clerk Bill Richards said: "It’s very important that Chesham’s public have a chance to comment on the plan and its specific proposals before the council feels it can endorse it in its entirety and pass over to Buckinghamshire County Council.

"The purpose of the meeting is not for individuals to raise personal complaints but comment in writing on proposals after viewing the document and plans during our consultation process.

"Once these observations have been received, we will be feeding them into the final plan. We look forward to hearing residents’ views on the matter."

Among the proposals to be put forward are introducing more double yellow lines, daytime restrictions, limited waiting zones, residents’ parking permits and shared use parking.

The meeting, which will be chaired by town mayor Mark Shaw, takes place at Chesham Town Hall at 6.30pm on Tuesday, April 1.

A consultation lasting six weeks will be launched at the meeting.

Responses can be made in writing to the council at the Town Hall or by going to www.chesham.gov.uk from April 1.

Meanwhile a trial of new car parking charges in the Catlings car park will be introduced on the same day.

Users can either pay on entry for a known time, or pay an initial nominal fee before settling up the difference as they leave if they do not know how long they intend to stop for.

An automatic number plate recognition system will keep a log of cars entering and leaving the car park to ensure motorists don't cheat the system. The cameras will also provide Chiltern District Council, which is introducing the scheme, with the information needed for evaluation at the end of the trial period.

For more information go to www.chiltern.gov.uk/parking.