Carol Vorderman spells out fears over parking zones

She is known as a maths maestro and now Carol Vorderman has put forward a simple equation for West planners – bring in parking restrictions and you will double our stress levels.

The former Countdown presenter is appalled by proposals for residents' parking zones in Bristol, which she says after living in stressful London has a "sense of freedom".

Ms Vorderman, who lives in the North Somerset village of Clapton-in-Gordano, said: "I am very, very anti the parking restrictions they want to impose.

"When you live in London, or anywhere else, you can't get close to a shop. Clifton parking is nothing, but when you start putting restrictions in it adds stress to everybody's life.

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"In London the issue of a car adds two hours to everyone's day, and there is the stress you face when you go and meet someone for lunch. It probably doubles people's stress and that is the way it would be here.

"Bristol is a very free city and I think if parking restrictions are brought in it would be awful."

The proposals would limit parking in some areas to permit holders during office hours and possibly part of the evening. Residents would pay for permits so they can park in the streets around their home, but this would not guarantee a space.

Thousands of residents living on the outskirts of the city centre were sent questionnaires last June asking about proposed parking restrictions.

People were generally against the scheme but most support came from Kingsdown and a small area of Clifton, so Bristol City Council started work on a pilot scheme.

The council will finalise plans before asking residents to vote on the scheme.

Ms Vorderman said: "I adore Bristol. I absolutely love it. I'm like a one-woman tourist office. Don't destroy it. Bristol has a gorgeous sense of freedom about it, which is unique to a city of this size, and I have lived in most cities."

Jon Rogers, Bristol City Council's executive member for transport and sustainability, said: "We are gratified that Carol Vorderman is so positive about Bristol. I agree that it is very special in Bristol.

"The freedom that Carol and so many others value so highly, is already achieved by striking a balance which encourages respect and deters obstructive or inconsiderate parking.

"In some areas residents may argue that the situation is out of balance, and that the free parking is affecting their freedom to enjoy their own neighbourhood. This is why we are consulting with residents most seriously affected to design a proposal."