A controlled parking scheme bringing in permits and council enforcement is being put forward for Lewes.

Residents are being asked to comment on the plans which East Sussex County Council wants to introduce to rectify parking problems in the town centre.

People are being leafleted about the plans, which would come into force in 2003, as the next step in an extensive public consultation exercise.

The town would be zoned with two types of parking spaces marked out, one for residents and one for the use of all motorists.

Responsibility for enforcing the scheme is likely to go to the county council, not the police, and it would be financed from permit charges and fines.

Councillor Anthony Reid, lead Cabinet member for transport and the environment, said the scheme had been designed with the help of specialist consultants and aimed to provide safe, convenient and managed parking for residents, shoppers and businesses.

He said: "This will be a very wide consultation and we want to hear from everyone who might be affected by these proposals. We would urge everyone to visit the exhibitions to see for themselves how the scheme is planned."

The scheme follows a crackdown in Brighton and Hove this year when the council took over enforcement from the police.

While proving unpopular with a number of residents, police and transport bosses have welcomed the improvements to parking and the flow of traffic in the city.

In Lewes, residents would be able to apply for up to two permits per household for the zone where they live, the first costing about £50 and the second £75.

The proposals would also allow them to buy tickets for their visitors, with books of ten available for about £5.

The plans also involve charging for on-street parking in central Lewes.

The public has until the end of November to submit comments. If it is decided to go ahead there will be further consultation towards the middle of next year.

Permits would be available to visiting health and care workers and businesses and voluntary organisations would be able to receive permits for essential use.

Present exemptions for disabled drivers would remain.