THURROCK Council is set to scrap paper parking permits in its 12 resident parking zones and introduce a virtual system.

Residents in zones in South Ockendon, Purfleet-on-Thames, Tilbury and Stanford-le-Hope have been told the authority has issued a traffic regulation order to facilitate the change.

If the scheme becomes a reality, vehicles will not be required to have a parking permit displayed and enforcement officers will use a handhed device to check number plates.

Residents who wish to comment on the plans, which would come into force later this year, should email the council at [email protected], or post a letter to the Civic Offices, New Road, Grays, both to be completed by 3 March.

The council says that residents will not be required to apply for a new permit at the moment and there will be no additional cost.

Existing paper permits will still be valid until their expiry date arrives.