I AM writing to point out the double standards that seem to apply to parking in Tavistock.

On the one hand I read the Times about a gentleman who has actually paid for a parking ticket, but because he had forgotten to update his phone, with hi new registration number, must still pay a large penalty.

On the other hand, daily, I find vans parked on double yellow lines (and blocking the pavement) in North Street. One day last week there were five vans parked there all dy.

I am the manager of the Tavistock Christmas Cards for Good Causes where volunteers give up their time to sell Christmas cards and goods to help raise much needed money for many charities.

This irresponsible parking has significantly affected our trade. Our customers can not access us when there is not enough room on the pavement to pass the vans or find our entrance.

When approached we were told the vans belonged to working contractors and had parking permits. It was only after I had telephoned Devon County Council to complain, that any action was taken. No — nobody received a penalty ticket — they were just politely asked to move and park somewhere else.

So the vans moved, parking all day in car parking bays (without paying) or at the roadside with one hour parking limits. Once more no penalty tickets have been issued.

Jan Coley