DRIVERS who live within a new 'controlled parking zone' in Weston will soon be forced to pay to park outside their own homes. North Somerset Council has unveiled the first map of which town centre streets could be subject to the permit parking scheme, whi

DRIVERS who live within a new 'controlled parking zone' in Weston will soon be forced to pay to park outside their own homes.North Somerset Council has unveiled the first map of which town centre streets could be subject to the permit parking scheme, which is aimed at cutting congestion.The map was drawn up following a meeting with over 20 organisations including the emergency services, traders' associations and disability groups.The move comes as parking is decriminalized and the responsibility for parking enforcement is transferred from the police to about 16 parking attendants, employed by the council. The authority also plans to introduce meters for on-street parking within the controlled zone and those failing to pay and display will be fined £60, a figure discounted by 50 per cent if the fine is paid within 14 days. Executive member for strategic planning and economic development, Councillor John Crockford-Hawley, said: "It is imperative we get this right and that it's supported by traders and residents. My own ward in central Weston is at the heart of this scheme and with so many affected residents we must ensure fairness all round."I must emphasise that this project must never become a weapon for raising general council revenue at the motorists' expense."The controlled zone and the charges for parking in it will be decided after public consultation between June and August. The entire scheme will cost the local authority around £605,000 to set up.