THE SEARCH is on for a new scheme to provide parking benefits for local residents and businesses in Richmond upon Thames.

The move follows the council's free voucher parking scheme being discontinued on March 31, and residents are reminded that the vouchers will not be valid after that date.

It is looking to replace this scheme with something benefiting businesses as well as residents.

Current vouchers allow half an hour's free parking at any parking meter, pay-and-display car park or voucher parking space in the borough, except in controlled parking zones.

Cabinet member for traffic, transport and parking, Cllr Mark Kreling, said: "While half of the residents surveyed had used the vouchers, with most having no difficulty doing so, we decided not to continue with this experiment after reviewing the usage and other aspects.

"We are now looking at schemes where ease of use and wide take-up can be offered and achieved."

Lib Dem councillor Martin Elengorn commented: "The 30- minute scheme has been an expensive fiasco as we always predicted. But the Tories seem reluctant to let residents choose for themselves how to shop. We believe that, if there is money to spent, it should not discriminate against those who choose to shop on foot, by bicycle or by public transport.

"The money should either be returned to council tax payers or it should be used to make the environment of our shopping centres more attractive, green and sustainable."

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