A controversial residents’ parking scheme could be introduced across Banbury, affecting 3,000 properties.

People living in 37 streets around the town could be consulted over whether they want the scheme.

If Cherwell District Council’s executive gives the green light to the project, residents will be consulted during April and May.

There will also be a public exhibition on April 29 where people will have a chance to have their say.

A smaller scheme was introduced in Bicester last year and was labelled a shambles by residents after it was revealed the scheme could not be fully enforced.

There were legal problems over council staff issuing fines, not enough wardens to patrol the scheme and anyone who had a permit could park in any road within the scheme.

Cherwell said most of the problems had now been ironed out and legalities over issuing parking fines would be resolved under new powers due to be introduced in April 2010.

At the moment only police can issue fixed penalty notices, but council staff can give out legal warnings, which mean people who flout parking restrictions could end up in court.

Nigel Morris, executive member for urban and rural services, said: “The council has received requests from local residents for residents parking in a number of areas around Banbury.

“Initial research has been carried out and before we do any further work we will ask residents whether they would like a scheme nor not.

“This consultation will take place after Easter.

“We’ll send a consultation questionnaire to properties in the streets that are being considered, together with information about residents parking schemes.

“We’ll only go ahead with the proposal if there is sufficient support.

“It’s really important people tell us what they think so I want to encourage all those that receive a consultation questionnaire to complete the survey and return their views.”

At least 50 per cent of residents must support the scheme for it to go ahead, but it is unlikely to be implemented before May 2010.

Some of the streets proposed for the scheme include sections of Warwick Road, Bath Road, Broughton Road, Merton Street and Calthorpe Road.

The council reckons residents will have to pay up to £100 for a permit and business permits will cost £125.

People will also be able to buy visitor passes — similar to a scratch card — with a limit of 100 per year per property.

A report into the Banbury scheme says any streets which opt not to take part in the scheme will not be reviewed for two years, but could also face problems whereby people looking for free parking just move to another street.

  • Areas across Banbury could be designated as residents only parking and only eligible residents will be issued with a permit
  • Application forms will be sent to eligible residents
  • Permits likely to cost £100 for residents, £125 for business, every year
  • There will be a limit per household of 100 visitor passes, in a scratch card style, valid for 24 hours
  • Residents with permits will not be guaranteed a parking space
  • Council staff and the police will patrol residents parking areas in a joint operation
  • Fines for flouting parking rules are likely to be about £70.