A business leader has called for greater flexibility as councillors decide whether to change car parking policy in Cheltenham.

Tonight the borough council's Cabinet will vote on a car parking strategy for Cheltenham for the next 14 years.

The recommendations include new parking charges depending on which area of the town motorists are in and improved signage and better facilities for coach parking.

In a separate move the county council will end free parking on some of the town's streets from August to help reduce congestion for residents who will be able to buy annual parking permits.

Speaking on BBC Radio Gloucestershire today Kevan Blackadder (pictured), director of Cheltenham's Business Improvement District, said car parking regulations needed to be more flexible to encourage visitors.

He suggested this should include reducing car parking charges at quieter times of the week and year.

"I think we should get to a point on both Saturday and Sunday mornings when there is not a charge earlier on so we can encourage people to come into town, have a good time and leave their cars overnight and not have to worry about getting a ticket in the morning," he said.

"I think that flexibility and affordability need to be at the forefront."

What do you think? Email mark@moosemarketingandpr.co.uk