7 February 2012 Last updated at 13:08 ET

Cheltenham parking fees 'causing trade drop'

Traders in part of Cheltenham have claimed that business has dropped sharply as a result of new parking restrictions.

Gloucestershire County Council introduced pay-and-display parking, limited waiting and residents' permits in Montpellier on 1 February.

It said the measures were brought in because some residents and businesses had reported problems parking.

The authority added that it had carried out a consultation.

One local businessman told the BBC: "Sunday was very quiet, there were hardly any cars or people walking around.

"I think it's going to affect a lot of the boutique shops and the lunchtime trades."

The county council said its officers would be "lenient" in ticketing people who do not abide by the rules until 1 March.