A TRIAL period for new car parking charges at popular spots in Christchurch will take place after concerns were raised by residents.

Members of Christchurch council decided to introduce the trial period for 50 pence charging in a bid to combat the potential issues raised by residents during the consultation on parking charges.

The policy and resources committee did approve the proposal to introduce the winter charges at car parks in Avon Run Road, Highcliffe Castle and Steamer Point.

Residents from Rothesay Drive near Highcliffe Castle said the new charge would have an impact in their road with people parking there for free, rather than the car park at the Castle.

Councillor Lisle Smith suggested the authority could collect "empirical" parking data to review the decision next year.

Chairman of the policy and resources committee, Cllr Trevor Watts said he had noticed people parking in roads around Steamer Point as the car parks were full.

He added: "It's a very difficult decision. We have heard previously from the officers that we have difficult days ahead of us and here we are debating and discussing 50 pence a day.

"It will give us an understanding as to how our car parks are used in a winter period and we can then take a look at the bigger picture.

"I am very sympathetic to the people in Rothesay Drive; I don't own the piece of road outside my house and if someone wants to park there it has got nothing to do with me."

Cllr Claire Bath, deputy leader, said: "We have got to make sure that we are doing the best for our tax payers and maximise our revenue streams.

"I do have empathy and we will see if there is a problem, or if it is just a perceived problem."

A message from ward councillors Vicky Hallam and Trish Jamieson, Mayor of Christchurch, was read out at the meeting, objecting to the 50 pence charge.