FOR the information of Roy Davies (Letters, February 15), the idea for "pay and display" on just three of the car parks in Darwen did not originate from "Councillor Smith and his merry band of councillors," but from town centre traders and local residents.

Some of the traders and many shoppers have complained for years about those people (who usually work in the town centre) who park all day in prime car parking spots that could be used by shoppers.

Pay and display, with a low tariff of 20p for, say, a couple of hours and a high tariff for all day parking, could be a sensible solution to the problem.

The low tariff suggested is only to cover the costs of security/patrolling the car parks and maintenance of machinery -- there is no need at all for this low amount to rise.

Many shoppers are in favour of this suggestion in order to increase parking provision in the town and boost trade for market stall holders and shopkeepers.

Surely, Mr Davies can have no gripes about boosting trade in Darwen.

COUNCILLOR DAVE SMITH (Sunnyhurst Ward), Avondale Road, Darwen