A NEW wave of pay and display meters for on-street parking are set to be introduced in Blackburn town centre.

The first batch of on-street parking, in areas around Church Street, Darwen Street and Mincing Lane, took effect from January, with drivers having to pay 40p for half and hour and 70p for an hour for spaces which had been free in the past.

A wave of charges, for long stay parking on the fringes of Blackburn town centre, is currently out to consultation with a view to being implemented next month. Parking spaces on a further 15 streets look likely to become the subject of charges from May.

Streets to be affected by the third wave are mainly in the north east section of town, but also include High Street, popular with people parking next to Morrison's supermarket.

Other streets affected as from May are: Richmond Terrace, Tontine Street, Limbrick, Preston New Road, Simmons Street, Alma Street, Blakey Moor, Duke Street, Northgate, King William Street, Museum Street, James Street and Regent Street.

Charges were introduced after commuters began using spaces all day as an alternative to paying in car parks.

A report presented to a meeting of Blackburn with Darwen's planning and highways committee, stated: "Businesses have commented customers have problems finding spaces near where they want to shop. Anecdotal evidence suggests this has been improved by phase one.

"Enforcement of limited waiting bays is difficult. The aim of pay and display is to increase turnover in parking spaces for the benefit of businesses, customers and visitors to the town. With pay and display, the enforcement can be carried out by council employed contractors."

Phase one parking has attracted a mixed response from traders.

But regeneration boss Coun Andy Kay said: "The council is happy with how the scheme is working. An increase in space turnover has ensured shoppers are able to locate parking spaces. Discussions with firms have indicated trade is up in key areas.

"The vast majority of users are abiding by the regulations and no complaints have been received from the few motorists who have received penalty notices."