PARKING meters could be introduced on some of Tunbridge Wells's most popular streets for the first time.

The controversial town hall plan would see charges of 50p for just 20 minutes in Mount Pleasant Road and the High Street.

Shoppers can currently park free for one hour on the roads which are a critical link between the north and south ends of Tunbridge Wells.

The idea – for 8am-8pm, week days and Saturdays and 10am-5pm on Sundays – was heavily criticised at the latest meeting of consultative group the Joint Transportation Board, but borough council transport cabinet member Councillor Brian Ransley said this week the authority was forced to look for fresh sources of income.

He said: "It is still being looked at but obviously we have some reservations now. It was an area our officers thought could be tapped and where machines could be put up.

"No doubt people who come in to town will not relish putting money in a slot and a ticket in their windscreen. But probably the residents of Tunbridge Wells would think it is right and proper that people should be paying something towards it."

He said he doubted it would become part of the budget currently being set but Lib Dem councillor David Neve warned the "ridiculous" plan was sure to resurface.