PEOPLE living on streets near the centre of Tavistock are being given the chance to have their say on the possible introduction of a residents? parking scheme. It has become increasingly difficult for residents to park in or near their own streets due to commuters and shoppers parking in residential areas. Now Devon County County is looking at solutions to the problem and is asking businesses and residents to complete and return questionnaires, which have been delivered to their door, by the end of November. This consultation will help establish current parking arrangements and how much support there is for a parking scheme. Questionnaires will be distributed in most streets near the centre of Tavistock to the north of the river, south of the old railway line and to the town centre side of Drake?s Statue, giving people living and working near the centre the opportunity to express their views. Postcards are also being placed on some car windscreens in these streets and drivers are encouraged to complete and return them with details of why they are parking in the street. Any scheme would be introduced in zones that would include several streets. If demand for permits exceeds available on-street spaces, they may be restricted to one per household at a charge of up to £200 a year. The consultation is being carried out for the county council by Parsons Brinkerhoff and if residents have any queries they should contact them on 01392 229700. If there is strong support for a residents? parking scheme, further consultation will take place in 2006 on various aspects, including whether on-street pay and display charges are viable in Tavistock to help reduce the cost of the permits. County Cllr Roy Connelly said: ?I am anxious that everyone who receives a questionnaire takes the time to complete and return it to the county?s consultants. ?This process is vital in helping us establish the needs of both residents and businesses and how best to proceed.?
