A PROPOSAL by Dartmoor Railway to implement parking restrictions on a busy road in Okehampton over the Christmas period whilst the Polar Express train ride is in operation has been slammed as ‘ludicrous’ by the town council.

Members of the town council said this week that parking restrictions in November and December on Station Road would cause chaos for residents.

Okehampton Town Council had previously expressed concerns to Dartmoor Railway about the lack of effective traffic management by the company for Polar Express events, particularly the level of inconvenience reported by residents of Station Road and its adjoining roads.

An informal consultation letter has been sent by the Dartmoor Rail Events management team to the residents of Station Road, letting them know of their proposed application for a parking suspension during the times of the Polar Express train ride.

The letter stated that following complaints received by the town council, Dartmoor Railway would be applying for a parking suspension on the East side of the lower part of Station Road, the North side of the top half and both sides at the very top during the running of the Polar Express train ride this year. However, the town council has said that the letter issued by Dartmoor Railway was entirely its own initiative and had not been in consultation with the town council, therefore recipients should address their comments directly to Dartmoor Railway.

The Polar Express is a Christmas train ride run by the British American Railway Services and has been operating in Okehampton each year since 2012. Hundreds of parents and children enjoy the Polar Express experience by boarding the train in their pyjamas just as the characters did in the book and film of the same name. Dartmoor Railway is just one of only two railways hosting the Polar Express event in the UK.

The Polar Express train ride departs at 5pm and 7.30pm from Okehampton Station throughout November and December. Dartmoor Rail has said that it hoped any restrictions on parking would allow for a continued traffic flow at these times and ease any possible delays for residents.

The train ride, although popular with children and tourists, has caused many Okehampton residents concerns regarding the major traffic problems linked with the event.

At a town council meeting this week, Cllr Paul Vachon said: ‘Having these restrictions put in place throughout December is ludicrous and does not help the town at all. If anything, if this goes ahead it will seriously inconvenience the town.’

Cllr Julie Yellend said: ‘Last year during the Polar Express event Station Road was complete gridlock. I even know one resident who needed an ambulance for her child after a traffic incident. Something certainly has to be done. This situation should be made a priority, as the busy road during those months causes severe problems for the town. I think a Park and Ride system would be the only feasible option.’

Cllr Tony Leech added: ‘The Polar Express is a commercial venture, not like the Ten Tors event which is non-profit. Dartmoor Rail should find a better solution to the current problem. A Park and Ride system would be the better option and I think this should be considered in their budget.

‘The parking situation will put a lot of strain on the town and particularly the residents living on Station Road as some of them do not have access to driveways. This makes parking on the road their only option. If parking restrictions are put in place it will seriously inconvenience them.’

Devon County Council will consider and decide on the parking restrictions application for Station Road — the town council is just a consultee.

Dartmoor Railway was unavailable for a comment as the Times went to press.

What are your thoughts on the proposed application? Share your thoughts with us at okehamptonletters@ okehampton-today.co.uk