RESIDENTS in Sale are protesting against a proposed new parking scheme and are demanding that it be scrapped.

The plans affect the area bounded by Glebelands Road, Park Road, and Cross Street, and would mean that most residents wishing to use an on-street parking space would have to pay for it.

The scheme is intended to prevent obstructive and dangerous parking at junctions and reduce the day-time parking problems experienced by local residents.

According to Trafford Council, these are largely due to "non-residents (for example nearby office/shop workers) who park their vehicles on the streets of the area and leave them there all day.”

But some residents object to the charges. They are annoyed by the proposed charges, coming after recent council tax increases and the introduction of charges for council collection of garden waste.

“This is an attempt by Trafford Council to impose a stealth tax,” said James Mellor who lives and works in the area.

“We have already had to suffer increases in council tax and a new charge for our green bins and now the council expects us to pay for the privilege of parking on our own street. This is outrageous.”

The proposed changes could also affect nearby businesses as they will considerably reduce the space available for commuter parking and for short-term parking for people visiting local offices or shops.

A resident parking permit currently cost £36.75 a year. Residents would also have to purchase cards for any visitors, either guests or workmen, who wished to visit and park in the road. A book of visitors’ cards costs £10.50 and covers 25 visits.

The scheme is currently at the consultation stage and Trafford has issued questionnaires to people living in the area.

These must be submitted no later than Friday, May 19.