GRAYSHOTT Parish Council is calling for any charge for permits to park in the village to be as low as possible.

Proposals by East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) to fix Grayshott’s parking problems, including introducing parking permits, were put to villagers at a recent exhibition. EHDC also undertook a public consultation that has just ended.

EHDC took action following complaints that with no parking restrictions in any of Grayshott’s council-owned car parks – or on its main roads – the village was too clogged all day.

Businesses also said a higher turn-over of cars would allow more customers to visit the local shops and give the local economy a boost.

Changes proposed included introducing permit holder bays in car parks in Crossways Road and Headley Road, making Glen Road car park permit-holder only, introducing on-street parking restrictions, and restricting parking in Avenue Road, Glen Road, Crossways Road and Headley Road.

Responding to EHDC, Grayshott Parish Council has urged any charge for permits should be as low as possible and two levels of charging should be introduced, in which residents would be charged less than businesses.

The parish council is pushing for permits to operate on “a right to access” basis rather than guaranteeing a space, meaning residents would pay for a right to park in one of the ‘permit-only’ spaces, but would not be guaranteed one would be available.

It believes that would allow a greater number of permits to be issued, “provide greater flexibility and ensure best utilisation of all spaces”.

The parish council also agreed to proposals to introduce one-hour on-street parking; a three-hour time limit at Crossways and Headley car parks; restricting permits to residents and people working within the village’s central 20mph area; and any spare spaces reverting to public parking if take up of permits was low.

EHDC’s parking proposals have come under fire, however, from residents who dislike the idea of permits being introduced.

Villager Carol Goddard objected: “How galling to hunt around for a space to park and find plenty but be barred from using them. I find this parking solution illogical and unfair. It caters to the needs of the few at the expense of the many and it should not go ahead.”