ARE more double yellow lines needed along Park Street and Union Terrace to stop inconsiderate parking, or might there be another option so that the refuse lorry and emergency vehicles can get through.

This was one of the items brought to Crediton Town Council’s Policy and Forward Planning Committee last week by the town’s Police Community Support Officer.

It was said two cars had been parking on the pavement, with resulting difficulties for the refuse lorry. It was thought this was obstruction and, therefore, a matter for the police, but it seemed that the police could only deal with this if the obstructed vehicle or person was still trying to get through when the police arrive.

Councillors were bemused to discover that although it might have caused an obstruction, the offending vehicle was no longer doing so if what was being obstructed was no longer there. Cllr Bill Dixon remarked that he had thought there were laws about parking on a pavement, apart from the damage to the pavement.

Cllr Nick Way (also Devon County and Mid Devon District member) added that if there were double yellow lines, the police could act.

Cllr Liz Brookes-Hocking, committee chairman, suggested keeping a log of incidents, perhaps a site visit, or ask those who live in the area for suggestions. Cllr Way added that it was “ridiculous” that vehicles were parked on both sides of Park Street. It was agreed councillors would go to have a look at what they called “this historic road” and to talk again with the PCSO. Problems at the junction of George Hill with St Martins Lane were also discussed, as was vehicles parking at the top of Waresfoot Drive where more double yellow lines are to go.

20MPH LIMIT

Cllr Way said he questioned why the county council had not implemented the town council’s requests for a 20mph speed limit in parts of the town.

He felt all side streets and estate roads should have this limit, but there was an enforcement problem.

Cllr Brookes-Hocking added that most of the problems could be sorted when new estate roads were designed.

Sue Read