CAR PARKING policy changes at Newport university have sparked protests of traffic chaos from a second group of residents.

The introduction of parking charges at the University of Wales College, Newport (UWCN) Allt-Yr-Yn campus has caused a spillover of student cars into the surrounding area.

The situation echoes the problems at the UWCN Caerleon campus, where students and residents blasted the university for scrapping free parking and introducing charges.

Allt-Yr-Yn resident Peter Dimery, a retired civil engineer, said students parking on the streets had caused many problems of blocked access. Mr Dimery, of Fields Park Avenue, said: "Residents were amazed when pay and display was introduced. It has caused absolute chaos.

"The car park has always been well used but now it is mostly empty as students park on the street.

"People cannot get their cars out of their drives and it's quite impossible for anyone to park anywhere near our home.

"The charges are against the principle of educating students and looking after them."

The Allt-Yr-Yn campus car park, off Fields Park Avenue, holds around 300 cars and now has charges of 30p an hour, £2.50 for a day, or £10 a week. Parking permits for part-time students cost £20 a year.

The UWCN made the change at the start of the year to encourage the use of other forms of transport or to share cars.

Ward councillor Matthew Evans said: "It's an unsuccessful attempt by UWCN to raise more money. The experiment has failed."

Mr Dimery is planning a meeting between the university, residents, students and politicians.

Rob Nunn, president of the student union, said: "This adds to the cost of education in Newport. We hope the charges can be reduced."

A UWCN spokesman said: "This policy was devised following a formal process lasting over a year. In this time, both staff and students were consulted in order to come to an agreement that is as fair and equitable as possible."