A controversial parking scheme being proposed in Tunbridge Wells could be scrapped after being slated by residents and shop owners.

The Borough Council wants to introduce charges on 1,200 free spaces, including those on Mount Pleasant Road and the High Street.

Motorists can currently park for free on streets across the borough from anywhere between 30 minutes and four hours, depending on restrictions.

But the council was aiming to introduce a new ‘pay by phone’ service, meaning residents would need to register their parking session on arrival, and then extend it remotely by paying an extra £3 for every hour over the time limit in place on the road.

Hundreds of local traders in key shopping locations were informed of the plan by letter and, according to council papers, two-thirds of people who responded were against it.

“Nothing has been decided yet and the matter will be considered by the Planning and Transportation Cabinet Advisory Board next Monday" - Tunbridge Wells Borough Council spokesman

Businesses fear they will lose custom, with some saying they had already consulted customers about the issue.

They want the council to continue with the existing parking system for the forseeable future, while the views of residents are studied more closely.

A spokesman for Tunbridge Wells Borough Council said: “Nothing has been decided yet and the matter will be considered by the Planning and Transportation Cabinet Advisory Board next Monday.

“If the advisory board agree with the recommendations it will still have to go to Cabinet for the final decision.”