On-street parking meters in Coventry considered by council

On-street parking is available for free for a range of time periods of up to two hours at present

On-street parking charges could be introduced in Coventry city centre.

Motorists currently park in bays for free for limited time periods but they would be charged £1 an hour up to a maximum of four hours under the plans.

Some 180 additional bays would also be created, taking the total to over 400 with the first 30 minutes costing 50p.

Meters would be installed in the autumn if the city council agrees to implement the plans next month. On-street parking after 18:00 would remain free.

Councillor Lindsley Harvard, cabinet member for city services for the Labour-led authority, said it was a "simple" plan that was not aimed at replacing the existing car parks in the city centre.

Mr Harvard said: "Charges will be the same at every meter across the whole city centre and the first 30 minutes will cost just 50p."