CAR parks in West Devon could soon be under the watchful eye of three civil parking enforcers, following a recent recommendation.

Members of the community services committee at West Devon Borough Council were asked to approve the increase of enforcement for off-street car parks, following a decision by Devon County Council to undertake on-street enforcement 'in-house'.

The borough council became responsible for on-street parking enforcement on behalf of the county council in 2008, together with the borough's own off-street enforcement.

Then in December last year the county council decided to take on responsibility of on-street parking, which has meant off-street enforcement can be carried out solely by the borough council.

The committee heard that off-street parking has increased greatly since May 2008, along with additional duties including waste issues and dealing with fly-tipping incidents.

The borough currently has four CEOs but as of April 1, three will go to county, leaving West Devon with only one enforcement officer to cover all off-street car parks in the area.

Of the proposals, councillors expressed concern over funding for the scheme and questioned whether there was enough money in the budget for this to be put in to place.

Cathy Aubertin, the borough's street scene manager, said at the meeting: 'There is no funding for the officers but the income they generate there will mean they will be covered.'

Councillors heard that in order to provide a high standard of enforcement cover, three CEOs were needed in total.

To employ an additional two temporary full time equivalent CEOs would be cost-neutral — with each CEO costing approximately £21,000, but generating approximately £26,000 of penalty charge fine income, per annum.

Chairman of the community services committee Cllr Robert Oxborough said: 'Car parks are an important income. It is important that we support the increase in CEOs.'

Councillors voted unanimously to approve to recommendation that the council provide an additional two temporary CEOS, two vehicles and the penalty charge notice software.

The recommendation is subject to ratification by the full council.