PARKING in some of the borough’s most built-up areas could soon benefit from improvement schemes.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has set aside funding for the next four years to improve parking in key problem hotspots across the borough.

The Parking in Residential Areas programme has looked at the supply and demand for parking across Basingstoke as well as road safety issues.

As part of the programme, the 30 worst-affected roads for parking in Basingstoke are set to be improved during 2014-15.

The top five priority roads that have been identified by the borough council are Exmoor Close, Bodmin Close and Prescelly Close in Buckskin, Renoir Close, in Black Dam, and a section of Abbey Road, in Popley.

A total of £256,000 has been set aside for improvements during 2014-15, £279,000 planned for 2015-16 and £278,000 for 2016-17 and 2017-18. A further £80,000 has also been set aside to improve vehicular access to properties in Basingstoke over the four years.

Councillor Tony Jones, Labour borough councillor for Buckskin, who has three of the top five problem areas in his ward, told The Gazette: “I think it is long needed. Most people have cars and most families end up with at least two cars. There is a great need for parking, and we have had the road names on the list for a long time.”

He added: “I am pleased they are going to be done this year but there are lots of other places that need attention.”

Councillor Cathy Osselton, cabinet member for partnerships at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, said: “We are delivering the approved programme of parking solutions and access improvements in prioritised residential areas. We will take them in order and it will give people some extra parking in a lot of the areas.”

The funds are to be discussed at a full council meeting tonight, when members will be asked to agree Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s capital investment budget.