TRAFFIC wardens could be introduced to Malvern as part of a new five-year parking strategy.

Malvern Hills District Council’s overview and scrutiny committee heard how civil parking enforcement could be brought in to tackle problems with on-street car parking as early as next year. The wardens would apply fixed penalty notices where appropriate, which would fund the scheme, with any surplus money used to address traffic management issues.

Ivor Pumfrey, the council’s head of community services, said: “The thrust of this is about increasing on-street parking and increasing the turnover. Much of that is being blocked by people ignoring the maximum waiting times.”

Coun Chris Cheeseman welcomed the idea but called for a transition period. He said: “This is good for the residents. More people can get a go at parking and traders can get a fairer crack of the whip with customers who will visit their stores. Moving from a very free situation to one where there are very severe fines, we would need to have a transition period.”

Co-chairman of the committee Mike Morgan said: “A gentle approach is needed. We agree with most of the ideas but the implementation of the ideas needs to be approached with caution.”

Jim Murphy, of High Street ,Malvern, suggested the problems in Great Malvern could be alleviated by selling Victoria Road car park and extending the one off Belle Vue Terrace.

He said: “The benefit of developing Belle Vue will lead to connecting the hills and tourism to the town centre, and we have never managed that before.” The main objectives of the strategy, which covers 2012-17, include improving traffic flow and reducing congestion; increasing parking availability in areas of highest demand; supporting vitality of towns and local businesses; supporting access to local businesses, facilities and amenities; protecting and improving the environment; providing safe, good quality parking facilities; and providing competitive charges and a fair return for tax-paying residents.

The report will now go to the council’s executive committee on Tuesday, November 22.