IN the world of supply and demand, a product or service in short supply costs more than something that is so abundant one would not think anyone silly enough to try and charge for it, and so we get back to the cost of parking in Tavistock.
I personally think that parking in Tavistock is pretty good. The 45 minute free parking on most streets is just right for those popping in for a bit of shopping while the many car parks are convenient and reasonably priced for those spending a little longer. I have often gone in to buy something and been able to get a free parking space somewhere or if it's particularly busy I have not begrudged the cost of parking in any of the handy car parks but . . .
One Sunday, my wife and I drove into Tavistock down Drakes Road, passing dozens of parking spaces all the way back past the viaduct, turned right past the Ordolph Arms with spaces outside, and on into Market Square. I was spoilt for choice and not knowing whether to turn left or right I drove into the almost deserted council car park or should I say the council trap.
We looked around Tavistock for about an hour and returned to find the trap has been sprung and a parking ticket had appeared on a Sunday! I could not believe it! I could have parked only metres away on the street, legally and for free.
There are no shops in town open on a Sunday and those out of town offer free parking. There are no cafes open on a Sunday. Even during special events there is plenty of free parking for those willing to walk a few metres.
This policy has obviously upset a lot of people and deterred some from ever returning to Tavistock. It upset enough people for them to complain and get the Sunday charging period reduced to afternoons only. Was this so they could go to the Sunday morning service or were they just fed up with bearing their cross?
Adrian Hepworth
PS: The following Friday I returned to the same car park at about 1pm to find no less than nine vehicles illegally parked on double yellow lines in adjoining streets, one blocking the road for a delivery vehicle that had to reverse down a one-way street! I snapped a photo of that lot but even examining the pictures with computer enhancement there's not a warden to be seen. Dashed well disguised these traps.