PARKING restrictions are being introduced in a town centre to protect residents’ spaces from commuters using new high speed trains.

Gravesham Council will introduce a controlled parking zone in streets around Gravesend train station from February 8, and this month began installing signs and yellow lines.

The scheme will see parking permits issued to residents, and ban non-permit holders from parking in the spaces for one hour during each day to stop them leaving their car there all day.

High speed trains from Gravesend to London began on Sunday (Dec 13) and the permit scheme aims to combat the expected increase in commuters wanting to park in residential streets to use the station.

Council leader Councillor Mike Snelling said: “We are determined Gravesend is not overwhelmed by people parking to take advantage of the new high speed trains at the expense of residents.

“It is right we act to ensure there is no invasion of the parking-space snatchers, which would clog up the roads outside town and could make some householders’ lives a misery.”

Streets which will be part of the zone are those on the edge of the town centre, including Albion Road, Shrubbery Road, The Avenue and Milton Avenue.

Residents will have to pay £15 for a five-year permit, to cover administration costs, and it is expected to cost the council around £60,000 to create the zones.

A council spokesman said nearly 3,000 residents have been consulted on the scheme and only 128 raised objections.

The main point of opposition was the belief the council was using the scheme to make money, however the spokesman said it will cost the council more to implement it than will be made from permits.

Shrubbery Road resident Eric Bolingbroke, 59, said: “I wouldn’t be happy if people were parking outside my house all day, stopping me from parking, so I agree with it.”