A crackdown is being planned on commuters who clog up town centre Parking spaces in Crawley.

West Sussex County Council is looking to impose more restrictions.

Officials say last year's introduction of a controlled parking zone, which charges residents at least £30 for permits, has helped ease traffic problems.

They now want to widen the zone so that it includes areas further out of the town centre.

Lieutenant Colonel Tex Pemberton, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: "We want to keep the town centre free for shoppers and not for commuters.

"We want the commuters to park elsewhere and we don't want trade to be affected by the parking problems."

Mr Pemberton said a park and ride scheme for the area could also be imminent.

A group has been set up to discover if people want the parking zone widened and a three-week consultation will begin on Wednesday, December 3.

Group chairman, councillor David Dewdney, said residents had asked for the expansion.

He said: "A survey was carried out during the summer and as a result, a number of roads have been identified where residents have expressed a desire to be included."

However, some commuters say they are being pushed out of the town centre and that adequate provision had not been made.

Alex Provent, 28, of Pound Hill, a shop manager who takes the train to London every day, said: "It's all very well making it difficult for me to park. But I live here too and there should be alternative arrangements."

The proposals will go on show at Crawley Parking Shop, in the Town Hall, from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday and at Crawley Library from 9.30am to 7.30pm on weekdays and 9.30am to 5pm on Saturdays.