People in Truro and Helston are to be asked whether they want new-style residents' parking schemes to be introduced in their areas.

High levels of on-street commuter parking means that residents in many towns in Cornwall experience problems finding parking spaces close to their homes. The county council policy, set out in the Local Transport Plan, is to introduce a new style of residents' parking scheme which removes on-street commuter parking from residential streets but still permits the streets to be used by the local community.

This would mean allowing long term parking for residents only, allowing short term parking for visitors and stopping long term parking by non-residents.

Members at the recent executive meeting were told that residents' parking schemes have, in the past, proved very controversial and highways officers stressed it was essential demand for a scheme was carefully assessed before any detailed design work was carried out.

"Truro, Helston and part of Marazion have been identified for a pilot scheme and we will be carrying out an extensive consultation process, involving letter-drops to every affected household, said executive member for strategic planning and transport Robert Hichens. "We anticipate this letter-drop taking place during the week beginning July 15, and the responses from the questionnaires will be carefully analysed before any further action is taken."

The pilot scheme was welcomed by many county councillors, who said there was great demand for such schemes in many areas of the county.

However, some members warned that schemes were not popular with all residents.