RESIDENTS of Malvern Hills are being asked to give their views about car parking in the district.

Malvern Hills District Council is currently developing a new five-year strategy for on- and off-street parking, to replace the current one that expires this year.

Residents, businesses and other organisations are being invited to have their say as part of a four-week consultation which runs until Monday, March 6.

The council introduced its first ever parking strategy in 2012 which resulted in the authority taking on responsibility for enforcing parking controls.

The ability to pay parking charges by mobile phone was also introduced along with season tickets and residents’ permits, as well as electric vehicle charging points in council owned car parks.

The new strategy’s proposed aim will be to reduce traffic congestion and increase the availability of car parking in areas where it is needed.

It will have four key objectives including to support local businesses by providing competitive parking charges, while delivering a return for council tax payers.

Cllr Bronwen Behan said: “Having a proper car parking strategy in place is not only important to help tackle congestion but also to support our aims around tourism and business support by making it as easy as possible for people to access local shops, eateries and visitor attractions.

“It’s important people give us their views so we can ensure the strategy properly reflects the needs of those who use or rely on our car parks and on street parking provision.”

Among those being consulted will be town and parish councils; Malvern Hills Conservators; High Street Malvern, Great Malvern Association of Traders and other bodies, holders of resident permits and blue badges, community transport providers; taxi drivers, police and the county council.To take part in the consultation, visit malvernhills.gov.uk/public-notices-consultations.