CREDITON residents will no doubt be aware of the Devon County Council proposal to install parking meters in Crediton, which is currently being advertised and inviting comments and objections.

In the Statement of Reasons justifying the proposals it is stated that: “... These restrictions are proposed so that availability of parking is improved for short stays.

"This could reduce congestion and improve air quality as well as providing a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists ... and preserve or improve the amenities of the area which the road runs through …”

It would be interesting to know the thinking behind this statement since under the proposals free parking will be increased from 45 minutes to one hour with the option of a further hour on payment of a fee.

This will surely diminish the availability of parking because motorists will be able to park for longer than at present. Because there is likely to be reduced spaces, motorists will spend longer looking for a space, which is likely to increase congestion and reduce air quality.

Additionally, with the likelihood of more vehicle movements as motorists search for spaces, the environment for pedestrians and cyclists will worsen and not improve.

Because none of the objectives that this scheme seeks to promote seem likely to be achieved, the proposal to install parking meters in Crediton should be abandoned.

Keith Mortimer

Searle Street

Crediton

• Editor’s note: The Devon County Council public consultation period on the parking meters proposal runs until Sunday, January 7.

The public is invited to comment.

It can be found at: https://www.devon.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/parking/traffic-regulation-orders/proposed-pay-and-display/ .