A new controlled-parking zone has been approved in a bid to stop commuters clogging up residential roads.

The cost of setting up the scheme for Crawley will be £100,000 but West Sussex County Council says the costs will be recovered within the first few years.

The first phase of the new zone system will be in the Northgate, West Green and Southgate areas, with the Three Bridges area likely to be included in the second phase.

The pricing structure for motorists using on-street spaces will be 40p an hour, with residents' permits costing £30 a year.

The scheme has won the backing of Crawley Borough Council, which will administer the scheme, and involves an agreement with Sussex Police to hire four extra traffic wardens.

Tex Pemberton, West Sussex Cabinet member for the environment, has given the final go-ahead.

He has come under fire from people who do not like the idea of paying to park outside their own homes.

He said the venture would guarantee them a space and permit charges had been set to cover only the administrative costs.