A controversial Parking scheme is expected to be approved by councillors tomorrow.

The proposals in Eastbourne are aimed at reducing the number of cars coming into the town by increasing pay-and-display parking and off-street parking charges.

Parking will be decriminalised in the town with the council taking over policing of parking restrictions.

Traders and hoteliers in the town have criticised the scheme, saying it will turn visitors away and wreck businesses.

But councillors are expected to include the parking strategy in a package of transport plans on April 26.

Councillors will be told that despite criticism the changes have widespread support from the public.

A survey was commissioned by the council which included focus groups and a telephone poll of 300 Eastbourne residents.

The survey found 84 per cent of people in favour of the scheme, with that figure rising to 95 per cent when they were told money from fines and charges would be ploughed into local transport schemes.

A report to cabinet members by Norman Kinnish, the council's planning and strategy director, said the parking changes are necessary to encourage people to use public transport.

He added town centre businesses will not lose trade as short-term parking will be free for the first 30 minutes to an hour, with charges only kicking in after that time.

The council's parking review is part of an integrated transport plan for the whole of Eastbourne.

A full plan will be submitted to the Government in July and, if approved, the council will apply for £5.5 million of Government funds to pay for bus and cycle lanes, a new town centre ring road and making roads near schools safer.

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