AN ISLE of Wight councillor has proposed creating 200 new parking spaces in Cowes by 2020.

Paul Fuller, Independent councillor for Cowes West and Gurnard, has proposed creating the new spaces by removing painted bays, removing 'unnecessary’ restrictions and encouraging the owners of private spaces to rent them out.

Mr Fuller said at Cowes Town Council on Thursday: "Where residents parking exists, the bays or boxes exceed 4.8 metres, whereas most vehicles actually measure less.

"By removing painted bays I estimate the creation of eight to nine per cent extra space within parking zones could be created.

"There are areas where yellow lines exist that may not be needed.

"Spaces have been found in Crossfield Avenue where buses used to drop off students.

"Elsewhere, potential spaces in Victoria Road and Cliff Road have been found.

"In addition, there may also be disabled bays unused."

Mr Fuller also proposed encouraging private landowners to rent out parking spaces.

He added: "By offering privately managed spaces like driveways and garages to commuters, it would assist taking commuter spaces off the road. "One concern for commuters is the lack of secure parking, which they suggest they are prepared to pay for.

"There is considerable scope for householders to come to a private arrangement to use unused off-road parking.

"There are former car parks on the road to Cowes, that could be used for Park and Ride.

"These are on the main Cowes to Newport bus route, and could offer secure parking for Newport, Cowes and Southampton commuters."