DISC parking could be introduced on Nelson car parks next summer in a bid to crack down on drivers who over stay their welcome.

Seven town centre car parks would be covered by the scheme from June 1 1997, and drivers breaking the rules could face fines up to £20.

Members of Pendle Council's Nelson area committee are being recommended to back the disc scheme when they meet on Monday. The final decision on whether disc parking is introduced in Nelson and neighbouring Colne would have to be ratified by the council's policy committee. The car parks affected would be Goitside, Every Street, New Brown Street, Railway Street, Civic Theatre, Broadway and Booth Street. The owners of the town's multi-storey car park would also be asked if they wanted to join the scheme, which would cost £13,000 to set up although some of the money could be offset by parking and fines.

The maximum stay on the car parks would be two hours.

Rossendale Council introduced a disc parking scheme in Rawtenstall in 1993 after a successful trial in Waterfoot. Hyndburn Council is also looking at a disc scheme in Accrington.

A report to councillors said the advantages of a disc scheme are that it is easy to control and enforce at a relatively small cost. The discs would be issued free of charge from council offices, shops and the library.

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