MSHOPPERS, commuters and residents are set to be consulted about looming car parking charges to be introduced to Rawtenstall.

The consultation process could ultimately lead to drivers being charged up to £4 a day to park on Rossendale Borough Council's four main sites -- Newchurch Road, Phipps Buildings, off Bank Street and areas near to the town hall, including Kay Street.

Those parking in Bank Street and Ormerod Street will be charged a daily rate of £4.80 with resident-only parking proposed for the Bacup Road, Crankshaw Street, Alder Grange, Oakley and Millgate areas, charged at £12 per year.

Parking prices are to be set as follows: free for up to half an hour, 20p up to one hour, 50p up to two hours, £3 for four hours, £6 for eight hours and £10 for more than eight hours.

People will be asked their opinions on all the proposals put forward in a bid to get the right options for the town.

The proposals include:

Employing four full-time parking attendants -- covering 12 hours per day, six days a week

All off-street car parking to be made pay and display

Introducing penalty charges of £60 and £30 (for prompt payment) to any motorists who fail to pay and display.

David Harrison, Traffic Engineer for the council, said: "In a bid to satisfy the legal requirements, advertisements, street notices and questionnaires will be published at the end of the week.

"The programme allows for amendments to be made as a result of the consultation procedure."

Councillor Nick Pilling, chairman of the Development, Regeneration and Environment Committee, said: "We have agreed to go ahead with the recommendations of the proposals to go out and consult with the public.

"We will be consulting with residents and the business community, people who work in the town centre and shoppers in a bid to reach the best possible outcome that will, hopefully, suit everyone. We are expecting this to be carried out and completed within the next couple of months."