CHANGES could be made to Blackpool's residents-only parking schemes to allow visitors to leave their cars in the restricted zones for up to an hour.
Thousands of letters have been sent out as part of a consultation process lasting until October.
It would mean tradespeople could park for an hour while working at a property in a residents' parking zone. Some areas already have this option, but now all neighbourhoods involved in the scheme are being contacted for their views.
There have been protests after workers have been given parking fines while attending call-outs although trades people can apply for a special pass.
But the proposals have angered some people who say it is not fair for them to have to pay for a residents permit while other people could park for free for up to 60 minutes at a time.
People living in Burwood Drive, near to Blackpool Victoria Hospital, fear patients will clog up their road if free short- stay parking is introduced.
Park ward councillor Peter Collins said: "It is a congested road and there are genuine problems there with regard to parking. I am arranging to meet with some of the residents and will take the issues forward on their behalf."
Householders living in the Revoe area say it is unfair for residents to have to pay up to £20 annually – £10 for their own pass and £10 for a visitors pass if they want one – while others could park for free.
Ward councillor Doreen Holt said: "The feedback I'm getting is that why should residents have to pay to park while others get it for free. Plus they don't think there are enough traffic wardens to monitor it properly, so the residents-only scheme would be abused.
"But the problem is that if you do have a birthday or family gathering, and you have family who all have cars, you only have one visitors' pass. My advice to people is that they should make sure they respond to this survey with their views."
Coun Ian Fowler, deputy leader of Blackpool Council and cabinet member with responsibility for parking, said everyone's views would be taken into account.
He said: "The council is very keen to ask people what would be best for them and this latest letter is an indication of that process taking place in respect of residential parking. If there is support for this proposal then we will take people's views into account when considering future changes to residents' parking zones."
There are currently 23 residents-only parking schemes in Blackpool covering the following areas: Austin Grove, Bryan Road, Bennett Avenue/Montreal Avenue, Blenheim Avenue, Burwood Drive, Crestway, Eaves Street, Exchange Street, Fleet Street/Westwell Grove, Garden Terrace, George Street, Granville Road, Grenfell Avenue, Ibbison Court/Kent Road, Lakeway, Lytham Road/Central Drive, Morston Avenue/Alston Road, Palatine Road, Raikes Parade/Leamington Road, Ripon Road, Riversway, Seafield Road, and Watson Road.
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