A NEW, flat rate, all-day fee for long stay car parks in Okehampton and Tavistock has been approved by West Devon Borough Council.

Members gave the go-ahead for the introduction of a flat rate pay and display day charge of £2 in the authority's long-stay car parks for an experimental period of 12 months, at their full council meeting last Tuesday.

Car parks involved in the scheme will be Abbey, Bedford and Riverside car parks in Tavistock and Mill Road car park in Okehampton. Mill Road will also introduce a 50p tariff for users who want to park for half an hour.

The Wharf car park was originally in the plans for the experimental pay and display charges but councillors decided that The Wharf car park be designated as a short stay car park with a maximum stay of three hours.

It was agreed that the proposed experimental tariff would run for 12- months and members would receive monthly reviews via email.

The Bedford and Abbey car parks in Tavistock would see a reduction in the cost of all-day parking — it is currently £6.50 for an all-day ticket.

For those visiting Mill Road in Okehampton, the move sees a 20p reduction in the all-day tariff and the new half hour tariff, though the two hour £1.20 tariff has been scrapped.

Based on current car park usage, it has been indicated to the council that the introduction of the flat rate all-day charge of £2 would not be detrimental to the council in terms of income. Councillors were also told there should be sufficient space available to accommodate increased usage of the car parks.

The flat rate was supported by the commercial interests in the towns and it is hoped that the new introduction will have a positive impact on trade in the towns.

During the meeting, Cllr Robert Sampson, ward member for Chagford and chairman of the community services committee, said: 'Members are recommended to agree this recommendation, expected to be in place in Tavistock and Okehampton for 12 months with monthly reviews, with The Wharf Car Park being designated as a short stay car park.'

Cllr Philip Sanders, leader of West Devon Borough Council, said: 'The change to The Wharf came across from feedback from the public and businesses. We will pilot for 12 months and monitor it month by month and any problems displayed will be addressed.

'This will help people in the town and businesses and we are prepared to monitor it and make adjustments.'

Cllr Terry Pearce, ward member for Mary Tavy, said: 'I was horrified when this recommendation came forward, I personally prefer to see a half day charge than an all-day charge.

'I think we need to monitor this very closely. If we have an influx of tourists we need to be careful that we don't inconvenience our residents.'

Cllr Ted Sherrell, ward member for Tavistock south, said: 'The proposal of the £2 fee is tremendous and I congratulate the committee.

'This is an excellent overall scheme and I fully commend the committee for their efforts — this will surely bring more people into the town.'