I READ with interest (Times, March 18) about the changes to the parking in Chagford and Hatherleigh; and the changes to the arrangements for parking permits.
I believe the changes to the parking arrangements in both towns will have a detrimental effect as people from outlying areas will be less inclined to 'pop into town'. This will also cause considerable expense to local residents who rely on the car parks because no other parking is available. Are these changes being applied as another way of raising revenue?
The council also stated that these charges will not apply before midday on a Sunday, to allow people to attend church. Being a regular attendee of the Methodist Church in Hatherleigh, I know that the midday limit is of no use to anyone attending any of the churches. I contacted the three ministers concerned and, as I suspected, the council has made no attempt to find out when the services take place. I hope the council will change the arrangements to suit the facts rather than their assumptions.
With respect to the changes, many of these permits are used by local residents or people who work in the town. Local residents often have no other option but to park in the car park due to 'on-street' parking restrictions. The number of local residents requiring permits may, possibly, outnumber the number of permits available
People who come to work in the town by car often have no choice of transport and thus the council is imposing more expense on the very people who make the town's economy work. Because paying the daily charge would be twice that of a permit, people may be tempted to park in the surrounding housing estates and walk into town, causing problems where currently none exist. By limiting the number of permits more people are forced to pay the full rate. Another way of raising revenue?
Ian Young
7 Manor Gardens
Exbourne