AN experimental parking restriction may be introduced in an area of Hartlepool to cut down on motorists using it as a car park while they are at work.

A number of businesses in the Vicarage Gardens area of Hartlepool require short-stay parking for their customers.

However, over the past few months, it has been noted there has been a substantial increase in the number of vehicles parking in this area for long periods.

A report to Hartlepool Borough Council's culture, housing and transportation portfolio, which meets on Monday to discuss the matter, said: "Available customer parking is seen as a key factor to the success of the businesses. However, the area has noted a substantial increase in the number of vehicles parking in the area for long periods.

"This significantly reduces the number of available customer parking spaces and has an obvious bearing on the long-term viability of trade.

"It has been noted the majority of the vehicles in the area are now parking in excess of six hours and measures now need to be introduced to limit the stay of vehicles."

Members of the portfolio are being asked to approve plans for an experiment with one-hour parking and no return in less than two hours.