THE draft proposals for residents only parking schemes appear to have some serious flaws - not least the insistence that such zones are more than 300 metres from a car park.

Some of the worst areas, such as Primrose Hill and Regents in Skipton, seem perilously close to car parks. Imagine the frustration if residents find the land outside their homes thick with commuters' cars, only to be told that they do not fit the criteria for a residents-only schene because there is a perfectly acceptable car park down the road, and they should use that.

But residents-only zones may turn out to be a disaster for the economy of Skipton. There could be street after street with barely a parked car in sight when residents are out at work for the day and commuters are forced into using car parks. That may sound like the ideal result but what happens when the tourists turn up after 9am and drive around aimlessly seeking a space in already full car parks? They won't be coming back in a hurry.

Residents-only schemes must be introduced in conjunction with the provision of adequate space for the displaced non-residents' cars.

In other words, the lack of adequate parking provision in Skipton is still the most pressing problem the town faces and one the experts still duck despite expensive consultation exercises.