Motorists have shared their views on possible changes to parking fees and restrictions.

Barnet Borough Council carried out a public consultation on proposals for new pricing bands for parking permits, variable fees across the borough and more road restrictions at accident hotspots.

Respondents to an 'open' consultation on the council's website supported the overall objectives of the proposed policy by 62 per cent, while 81 per cent of the council's citizens’ panel supported it.

Both groups also supported setting fees to generate 85 per cent occupancy rates for high street parking, enough to keep town centres busy, but with a regular turnover of spaces.

The consultation and the citizens’ panel also supported keeping pavements clear of parked cars, but considering clearly marked pavement parking where there is space.

Another proposal is to reconsider the pricing of residents’ parking permits, which could be set in three bands to reflect car CO2 emissions, which it is hoped will set a balance between public enthusiasm for simple pricing, and support for improving air quality.

Golders Green councillor Dean Cohen, chairman of the environment committee, said: “The general support for the objectives of the policy is heartening but I am sure there will be a keen discussion in committee.

“The proposal on three environmentally driven bands is likely to be the subject of debate but, seems to me to be a sensible compromise between simple pricing and a public desire to improve air quality.

“My feeling is that even with a three band system we are likely to set a residents permit price that is low by London standards.”

The report will be discussed at a meeting of the environment committee next Tuesday.