THE Vale of Glamorgan Council is asking for people’s views on proposals to introduce resident parking controls at six hotspots around the county.

Displacement parking has become a problem, with a number of people leaving their cars in residential areas when visiting outdoor spaces or near large employment sites.

This has led to overcrowded streets, the council says, causing inconvenience for local residents and even hampering the progress of emergency vehicles.

The council is proposing the introduction of new resident parking schemes in parts of Cosmeston, Llandough, Barry Island, Ogmore-by-Sea, The Knap, and Cowbridge.

Under these plans, parking permits would be issued free of charge to residents of the streets affected, with anyone parking their car in these areas without one facing possible enforcement action.

But the council will only proceed if the majority of residents within an area are in favour of the proposals.

The consultation will run until November 1 after which point all responses will be reviewed.

Letters are being sent to those living on affected streets, while it is also possible to express an opinion by visiting www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/parkingconsultation or emailing parkingconsultation@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

Cllr Peter King, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services and Transport, said: “I’m aware that a number of streets around the Vale have over a number of years suffered from large numbers of people parking there when visiting attractions or attending work.

“This can cause problems for residents seeking access to their properties as well as impacting traffic flows and highway safety.

“My cabinet colleagues and I have responded to the concerns raised by agreeing new measures aimed at addressing the residential parking problems at a number of key locations in the County.

“We are now asking for residents’ views on these proposals. If the majority of residents in these areas are in agreement, we would look to introduce residents parking schemes as soon as legally possible, making it an offence to park there without a permit.”

If the implementation of restrictions in the six initial priority areas is agreed and proves to be a success, the measures could be extended to other areas of the Vale.