Strict Parking restrictions could be introduced in Lewes town centre by the middle of next year.

A controlled parking scheme should be in operation by 2003 after East Sussex County Council backed the plan.

A park-and-ride system and priority lanes for buses could be introduced at the same time as the new measures.

There would be charges to park anywhere in the centre, with some areas set aside for residents and businesses.

Parking permits are expected to cost about £50 a year.

The council said consultations found a small majority of people who lived inside the proposed parking zone backed the plan.

A small majority outside were opposed and the majority of businesses were sceptical.

The scheme is expected to be self-financing but would cost £200,000 to set up, which would later be recouped through parking charges.

The council agreed enforcement throughout Lewes district should be decriminalised at the same time as controlled parking is introduced.

It has not been decided whether to employ a private operator to enforce restrictions.