THE Forest of Dean District Council's cabinet is to again consider the idea of introducing a charge for car parking in Forest towns when they meet on September 8.

It is not the first time the idea has been discussed, and previously it has raised considerable controversy even though the Forest council says it is one of "just a handful" of local councils not charging for town parking.

"Management of parking in some Forest of Dean District Council owned car parks was considered by the cabinet in November 2008," says a spokesman.

"At that time the cabinet elected to defer the introduction of charges given the uncertainty caused by the recession and the matter was deferred.

"However, in the medium term plan for the budget considered by Full Council in 2011, management of parking was identified as a key element."

The cabinet will consider the idea of:

•Charging from 8am to 6pm Monday to Saturday – free on Sunday except in Redbrook which may have a weekend ticket.

•Charge 40p for the first hour increasing by 30p per hour up to four hours; over four hours £2.

•No charge for people with a disability badge.

Cllr Brian Robinson, cabinet member for Efficient Council and Planning Policy, said: "Management of parking will involve charging for use of the main car parks in the towns.

"The charge per hour is likely to be around 30p, with parking costing 40p for the first hour. This will improve availability of spaces for people visiting the towns to use shops or access services.

"The risk of displacement to other towns has been taken into account and at the proposed charging rate this is expected to be minimal, particularly taking into account current fuel costs.

"At the moment all council tax payers contribute to car parks even if they do not own a car or have no need to park in the car parks. The proposals will shift the cost to those who use cars and wish to park.

"It will also encourage car sharing with an overall reduction in car use which will contribute to environmental improvement."

He added: "Virtually all other local authorities already charge for parking."