TIME could be up for Accrington's disc car parking system.

Use of the town's car parks is free but on many sites drivers have to show their time of arrival by displaying a green disc.

These are then checked by Hyndburn's new traffic wardens to ensure drivers have not stayed too long.

But Hyndburn Council is now examining the possibility of implementing a new scheme because of complaints that the disc system is too complicated and keeps shoppers away.

Council leader Peter Britcliffe said the highways department was exploring alternatives but he pledged that parking would remain free.

He said: "Now we have the wardens, it is an appropriate time to consider if there's another solution. There's a feeling that people coming into the borough find the disc system strange because they're unfamiliar with the process.

"The disc system shouldn't be unduly knocked but it's not the easiest to manage. We also have to consider the fact that if shoppers from outside Hyndburn don't understand the parking system, they might not come back and that could have a negative impact on trade."

The disc system started several years ago as an answer to the problem of motorists hogging the car parks and preventing drivers from using the town centre.

The hugely unpopular alternative was to start charging for parking.

Tony Marsden, of the Market Traders' Federation, said he agreed a new system should be found, but the council should exercise caution.

He said: "The danger of hastily doing away with the disc system is that it could be replaced with something worse. Yes, something better could be found, but the traders haven't been particularly concerned about the discs putting-off non-Hyndburn residents from coming to Accrington.

"The real concern is that there are too few spaces for traders and shoppers alike. And we are a bit worried that possible alterations to the bus station will swallow up more of the available parking spaces."