PAYING for visitor permits is set to become easier after changes to the council's parking scheme were agreed.

Residents living in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) will be able to buy visitor permits online after councillors agreed to the proposed changes at a cabinet meeting on Thursday, July 26.

From October, residents will be able to purchase additional visitor parking permits online giving them the freedom to only buy what they need, while being able to purchase permits instantly should a friend pop-by unexpectedly.

In addition to online purchasing, the proposals also suggested introducing expiry dates on visitor parking permits to prevent unnecessary vouchers being in circulation, and help prevent the system being misused.

All vouchers currently in circulation would expire on March 31, 2020 allowing adequate time for residents to use up these vouchers.

Under the new changes, households would retain both their free resident parking permits which would be valid for two years rather than one, and 25 free two-hour visitor parking permits, but the number of additional paid for visitor permits would be capped at 25 six-hours and 25 all-day annually, in order to reduce congestion in popular parking areas, while ensuring the resident parking opportunities are protected.

Cllr Jesse Grey, RBWM's cabinet member for environmental services (including parking and flooding), said: “We are pleased to announce these much needed changes to the visitor parking system which reflect our continual commitment to delivering reliable and affordable parking to all our residents and their visitors.

“While most use the parking schemes fairly, it is vital we ensure they cannot be abused, and deliver consistent satisfaction across the borough. This change will ensure residents will continue having access to dependable local parking, and prevent the system being misused.”