A study commissioned by the authority found more than 20 possible sites for meters in each town centre and said the move could bring in £309,000 each year.

Leading councillors discussed the proposals at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday as part of their goal to take over parking enforcement in the county from police.

Members agreed to submit an application to the Government to run parking in partnership with district councils, which they want to start by spring next year.

Said Coun Stella Smedley, cabinet member for environment: "The county council has been involved in extensive negotiations with the district and borough councils over the last 12 months to reach an agreement on how this project will be managed.

"I am delighted that we are one step closer to working with these authorities to manage parking enforcement in the county, which will bring greater benefits to local people."

It is estimated that trained parking attendants in the county will cost around £700,000 a year, which will be paid for from the money gained from penalty charge notices –– while any surplus made would be spent on traffic management programmes.

Meanwhile, the report into parking meters estimated set-up and running costs for the first five years in Sutton and Mansfield at £479,300.

It states the areas where meters could be brought in were mainly within short distance of the main shopping areas and would benefit from removal of long-term commuters — but a further report will be presented to cabinet members before any decisions are made.

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