COUNCIL chiefs have pledged to hold a series of meetings with residents to debate controversial plans to shake up parking regulations outside their homes.

Maidstone Borough Council has been stung by criticism that it has failed to consult properly over proposed changes to parking in the town.

More than 300 letters have been received by the council opposing the draft scheme, unveiled in March this year and due to go into operation in September.

Proposals include introducing parking charges for a second residents’ permit, as well as charges for visitors and casual users. Overnight waiting restrictions are also proposed in the town centre as part of a double yellow line review.

Anger was initially fuelled by a letter sent to residents outlining the proposals which implied decisions had already been made.

Hundreds of people have signed petitions calling for the proposals to be revised or scrapped, despite assurances from the council that nothing is set in stone.

Maidstone council’s portfolio holder for transport and planning policy Cllr Malcolm Robertson (Lib Dem) is resisting calls for a full public meeting, fearing it could descend into a “shouting match.”

Instead, meetings may be arranged with residents leaders from individual or groups of streets affected, in a bid to deal with the anxieties.

Speaking before the local elections, he said: “I am willing to meet representatives of roads affected and discuss the proposals with them. We have lots of letters saying similar things, which have helped to give us a fair measure of people’s views.”

However, the results of the local elections may influence how the scheme progresses, with opposition leader Eric Hotson (Con) promising a full review if elected to power.