A DOUBLE whammy of measures in Taunton will help take the stress out of shopping for motorists heading into the town.

Digital signs are to be installed on approach roads into town to inform drivers which car parks are full and which ones still have spaces.

It is expected the move will ease congestion by preventing shoppers driving around until they find a car park with spaces, which will also help cut pollution.

And people won't have to worry about getting a ticket on top of their store bills if they overstay as 'pay as you leave' machines are to be introduced in seven council-owned car parks.

The signs are set to be introduced in the spring, at the same time as the existing pay and display machines are replaced in Tangier, Canon Street, Wood Street, Castle Street, Enfield, Orchard multi-storey and High Street car parks.

The bill for the schemes is likely to be around £1.2 million, but it is seen as a way of boosting businesses by attracting more shoppers to Taunton.

A Deane House spokeswoman said: "Contracts are being finalised for Variable Message Signing (VMS) and pay-on-exit for selected car parks in Taunton at present.

"These initiatives are due to be introduced in the spring. Details of any changes will be publicised well in advance.

"VMS is a system of electronic signs that guide drivers to available car parking spaces.

"Pay-on-exit means that drivers do not have to pay up front when entering a car park. The payment is charged as they leave, meaning they are charged for the actual time they have taken up a parking space."

The business community is in favour of the two schemes, which follow proposals for pedestrianising parts of St James Street, East Street and Hammet Street and closing the park and ride on Saturdays.

Nigel Pearce, president of Taunton Chamber of Commerce, said: "The proposals to change the car parking arrangements in Taunton to pay on exit have been discussed for many years, and are to be welcomed.

"It has long been considered this option will benefit both shoppers and businesses, encouraging and making it easier for visitors to stay longer than they perhaps anticipated.

"The variable message signage is an important part of the changes, making it easier for drivers to find suitable car parks, and will be essential if the final pedestrianisation proposals proceed, and if the park and ride facility on a Saturday does close in the new year."