Residents in Saltash have started a petition against a proposed parking scheme for the town.

The county council scheme would introduce 'residents' parking' to the area comprising Victoria Road, Essa Road, Higher Port View and Lower Port View.

Its aim is to cut down traffic congestion in Victoria Road and Essa Road, caused by parking of cars belonging to people who commute into Saltash to work or shop. However the residents contend that traffic will increase due to commuters and shoppers seeking vacant spaces in which to leave their cars. They maintain this means the current problem may well be alleviated, but will be extended into another area which is currently unaffected.

The petitioners also maintain residents in the four roads concerned will be subject to an increased expense of up to £70 per year per car for parking. One of those concerned said: 'It is doubtful whether commuters will be prepared to either pay for an annual parking permit, or walk the extra distance from their newly allotted parking space to their place of work.'

He added: 'One of the major causes of vehicle congestion was the introduction of car park charges by the council. Therefore, none of our car parks in Saltash is ever full. Other councils, such as Newmarket, give two hours free parking, why can't we do the same? There are also fears that parking on both sides of the roads will restrict access to fire engines and ambulances.

Plans for the scheme are displayed in the council offices in Saltash Guildhall. The campaigners urged those concerned to indicate their objections on a form and send them to the county council headquarters at Truro.