LYMINGTON'S High Street and Emsworth Road look likely to be the first in the New Forest to be subjected to on-street parking charges - if council cabinet members decide to proceed with the project.

New Forest district councillors were due to look at a wide range of options for charging at their cabinet meeting on Wednesday, November 7. They include whether a pay and display scheme, a combined pay and display with existing clock scheme, or an extension of the clock scheme will fit the bill.

Another two options are: stricter enforcement through increased patrols or maintaining the status quo with a future review.

Council car parking supremo John Bull says: "On-street charging is new to the district and it is not possible to predict precisely what driver reaction will be; it may be prudent to consider a staggered intoduction of on-street parking.

"Lymington appears to have the greatest pressures on parking and the most positive financial position.

"An option which could be considered is that on-street charges be introduced as a pilot in Lymington and are rolled out into Ringwood and New Milton pending the experience gained in Lymington."

Two roads in Ringwood are likely to be subject to charges: Market Place and Southampton Road, while in New Milton it is Elm Avenue, Whitefield Road, Gore Road and parts of Station Road and Spencer Road.

Planning and transportation portfolio-holder Cllr Chris Treleaven says the only practical charging option is the combined ticket/clock one.

Charging will bring greater compliance with restrictions and parking turnover rates will increase.

Also up for discussion are the tariffs which could apply: 60p for 30 minutes and £3 for two hours, but with three alternative fees: £1.20, £1.50 or £2.