I READ with interest your article on borough parking fines and in particular the proposal made by Cllr Mathew to consider the setting up of a special panel of councillors to hear appeals against parking fines.
I must say that I do like this idea of a special panel of councillors being set up to deal with aggrieved residents. However, rather than restrict it just to motorists could this please be extended to review other decisions taken by West Devon Borough Council, to include such controversial issues as planning, council tax, ground maintenance, leisure strategy, refuse collection, street cleaning, strategic development, indeed cover all services and decisions taken by the council.
Cllr Morgan talks sense in drawing attention to the small percentage of people who park incorrectly and as a result suffer the penalty fines set by West Devon Council, albeit that these levels of fines are set too high when compared to other local councils.
As we know there are regular instances where the motorist when using the borough car parks do fall foul of bureaucratic madness, such as when an individual purchases a parking ticket which for some reason fails to remain attached to the window of the vehicle and as a result is not visible to any inspecting office.
When the motorist presents the valid ticket to the borough this is ignored and the penalty fine maintained. Instances such as this and similar do not need a review panel, together with all its costs, to arbitrate, more an official of the borough blessed with common sense.
Remember these charges are reviewed by councillors during the budget process, the same councillors who agree these level charges and see it as an easy revenue stream, are only too pleased to make populist comments when issues such as this are raised.
Roy Connelly
19 Manor Road
Saxon Heights
Tavistock
MAY I add comment to last week's page two article regarding a visitor/consumer to Tavistock who became another victim of West Devon Borough Council's draconian parking penalties.
One may park virtually anywhere in Tavistock on a Sunday, free of charge and without fear of persecution, except, strangely enough, in a designated car park.
Bank Square car park on a Sunday offers a horrifying example of the borough council's cynical revenue gathering exercises.
This car park is filled each Saturday night with vehicles belonging to patrons of the Royal British Legion, Ordulph and the Union Inn.
Invariably, some potential drivers have more to drink than planned and often, in a responsible, law abiding way, choose alternative ways home, such as lifts or taxis.
Each Sunday morning the borough council's man arrives and rewards these responsible citizens with £40 penalties throughout.
Does anybody remember the days when a borough council's responsibility was to 'serve' the community, rather than hold it to ransom?
Tony Bates
5 King Street
Tavistock