HUDDERSFIELD'S busy Market Hall multi-storey car park will switch to a pay-on-exit scheme in April.

Work to convert it to the system will start on Monday and take around six weeks.

The new system is similar to that which operates in the Kingsgate car park.

A new vehicle access ramp was put in place in the Market Hall car park last November.

The latest work will see the installation of new ticket machines, traffic islands and barriers.

It is anticipated that the pay-on-exit system will be in use by mid-April.

Clr Martyn Bolt, Kirklees Council's Cabinet member for highways, said: "When the new system is operational it will ensure that people only pay for the time they have used.

"I hope that this will prove beneficial to traders."

During the work the car park and existing pay-and-display machines will remain in use during normal working hours.

But some parking spaces will not be available.

Drivers are advised to take extra care and observe all signs and barriers while the work is being done.

It is hoped that disruption will be kept to a minimum.

Meanwhile, the council plans to study the findings of a big survey into parking needs in Huddersfield.

Clr Bolt said people's responses to a questionnaire would be considered in developing long-term parking strategies for Huddersfield, especially with major new developments in the town.

People can still send in their response forms until next Wednesday.

The survey was carried out in late January and early February to help establish the nature of movements to and from parking areas around the town centre.

The survey will help Kirklees to manage the balance between different types of parking, guide the improvement of facilities for people using council-provided parking spaces and help to make sure that there are enough parking places in the future.