MOTORISTS across Harrogate borough have backed a local council's car parking policies.

Visitors and tourists say they are satisfied overall with parking policies offered by Harrogate Borough Council.

A recent survey showed a high level of satisfaction concerning the council's services.

Many agreed with restricting parking in some areas to improve traffic flow, reducing congestion and the risk of accidents.

Councillor Don Mackenzie, the cabinet member for planning and transport, said: "There were some very interesting findings in the survey, which will allay some anecdotal evidence that parking charges have a damaging affect the economy.

"Whilst the majority of local residents confirmed that they use free disc parking as their main source of parking space, the majority of visitors confirmed that they certainly expected to have to pay for parking in the town centres, and over 80 per cent felt the cost was reasonable."