Residents could be forced to pay to park outside their homes as part of a new scheme to stop commuters parking.

Basildon Council is considering the scheme for the Five Links estate but opposition is already mounting.

As part of a consultation, all letters received from residents in Laindon Link were against the proposal.

The objection rate was 83 per cent in Mellow Purgess Close, 79 per cent in Somercotes, 70 per cent in Mellow Purgess, 50 per cent in Brendon and 42 per cent in Handley Green.

However, a spokesman for Basildon Council said: "A parking zone was in operation on parts of the estate near to Laindon station and it is considered that if a similar scheme were not introduced onto the new roads and parking areas the estate would be used by commuters as a free car park.

"The main objections to these proposals are that the residents do not want to pay for the parking permits and that they should have a right to park free outside their own properties."

One resident complained that the existing passes in the area near Laindon station were being sold on to commuters anyway.

If introduced, permits would be needed between 10am and 2pm during the week.

Published Thursday August 26, 2004

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