COMMUTERS will have to find new places to park when restrictions are introduced at around 20 streets near Blackburn town centre.

Town hall bosses said the move, which limit motorists to a two or three-hour stay, will benefit traders, schools and shoppers visiting the town centre for brief periods.

In addition, it is hoped new double yellow lines will stop people parking on both sides of the road, which causes a safety hazard and access issues.

But Phil Ainsworth, of the Town Centre Partnership, said he did not think shoppers would park outside the town centre.

He added that it was a ‘shame’ that all-day commuters would have to either pay to park or look elsewhere.

The limited waiting areas will be in Birley Street, Chapel Street, East Park Road, Harrison Street, Islington, Pearson Street, Primrose Bank, Whalley New Road, Canterbury Street, Freckleton Street, Noblett Street, Primrose Drive, Shear Bank Road, St Andrew’s Street, Strawberry Bank, Sumner Street, Trinity Street, Wellington Street and West Park Road.

Coun Dave Harling, executive member for regeneration, said: “This is good news for businesses and their customers.

"The new short-stay parking means that people will be able to visit or shop in the town more easily.

“We hope that the changes will also help to promote public transport as a means of getting to work, as well as reducing congestion and improving road safety.

“There is adequate cheap parking in the town centre for commuters and they can still use the limited waiting areas, they just cannot stay there all day.”

Work to install new signs and road markings will begin before the end of January and should be completed by the end of February.

Consultation was carried out last year on the proposals and a number of amendments have been made as a result of comments.

Mr Ainsworth said: “Obviously, parking is a hugely contentious issue within Blackburn town centre.

“It is a shame if areas where people have found to park all day are to be restricted, but having said that, if there are problems and people do not have access to businesses, then I agree that something needs to be done.”