According to Alderman Rob Soward, the scheme would operate similar to that of the pensioner tip vouchers, which sees those individuals receive one voucher a month.

The parking vouchers would be distributed to every household, non-transferable and would be valid only in council-owned and operated car parks from April to August.

"If you run the free one or two hour parking option, let's say someone who lives in Legana or Carrick will get the benefit but they don't pay any rates or make a contribution to the council in other ways," Alderman Soward said.

"Under my scheme Launceston ratepayers would receive parking vouchers between April and August for example."

He said because it targets the quieter months of the year, it should address many of the concerns raised by traders in the city.

He said people wishing to stay beyond the two hours would only pay the difference, while those shopping for maybe one hour would have the option to save their voucher for another day.