URGENT measures to head off a parking crisis in Ripon have been put forward.

Consultants have said the main priority in the short term is to replace the imminent loss of almost 200 parking spaces on a site west of the Market Place.

The site is set to be developed shortly. Once completed, there are hopes it could provide more than 200 short stay spaces.

Consultants have told Harrogate Borough Council the only place to accommodate lost spaces within a reasonable distance of the city centre would be the Transco site off Stonebridgegate.

Council highway chief John Burton says the consultants have recommended the council leases or buys this site.

Improved management of car parks has also been investigated. The experts recommend short stay only parking on the two upper levels of the Morrisons car park at St Marygate and on the Victoria Grove park.

They also suggest the coach park in that area should be relocated to Stonebridgegate, with the coach park taken over by short stay parking. The lower level of St Marygate could be retained for long stay parking.

Consultants recommend parking charges should be reintroduced on the Market Place for two reasons. Drivers often queue for spaces, creating congestion and pollution. Charges could fund medium and long-term parking.

The council is being recommended to make an agreement with developers of the west of Market Place site to introduce short stay parking on the new car park once development is completed. A bid to retain at least 50 short stay spaces on the site is being made while redevelopment continues.

A medium-term aim is to prepare plans for decking or a multi-storey car park on the St Marygate site. Once development is completed adjoining the Market Place, surveys will assess supply and demand.

Mr Burton is recommending cabinet member Coun Julian Sturdy goes out to consultation on the study's findings.

Ripon City Council has asked to be fully consulted.