A CLAMPDOWN on parking for commuters and Stansted Airport-users is being planned for up to 20 roads across the town.

Bishop's Stortford Town Council originally asked Herts Highways to consider imposing restrictions after a debate prompted by a posting on the website moneysavingexpert.com where it was recommended passengers could park for free in Rye Street or Lindsey Road instead of at the airport's car parks.

Herts Highways has started a consultation process and if the restrictions are imposed it could mean a series of single or double-yellow lines on some roads, while others would be subject to two-hour daily periods when parking is prohibited, between either noon and 2pm or 10pm and midnight.

But councillor Keith Barnes said: "If we impose these restrictions and say people cannot park in these streets then they're only going to park somewhere else in the town."

He said talking to the airport directly would be a better solution, and that having special conditions for regular airport users would encourage passengers to park at the airport.

However councillor John Wyllie said: "Talking to BAA would do no use whatsoever - the company is there to make money and I'm sure they would not lower their parking rates. In any case the parking up there is an absolute shambles - whether you're parking to fly or just to pick someone up."

He acknowledged the restrictions would cause problems for residents, but insisted they were the only viable solution to the cars clogging up the town's streets.

A BAA spokesman said the company is not aware of any moves made by Bishop's Stortford Town Council to contact them about the business of fly-parking.

He said: "The normal route of discussion over any such issues would be via Hertfordshire County Council, which is a member of BAA's highways working group, rather than by initiating a direct dialogue with the company.

"BAA has already donated £50,000 towards helping local authorities find solutions to fly-parking connected with Stansted."

The company also has a fly-parking hotline' - 0800 731 2385 - which can be used to complain about problem areas.

Lindsey Road and Rye Street will likely be affected between 12 noon and 2pm. Grange Paddocks will be affected bewteen 10pm and midnight.

Roads that may be affected by single or double yellow lines or by two-hour restrictions include: South Road, Mulberry Court, Rhodes Avenue, Stansted Road, Michaels Road, The Aspens, Legions Way, Parsonage Lane, Cannons Mill Lane, Cannons Close, Heath Row, Boyd Close, Manston Drive, Elm Road, Lindsey Close, Pinelands and Stane Close.

2:59pm Wednesday 11th October 2006

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