by Alan Quick

THE MP for Central Devon has expressed his delight that the newly-installed loading bay surfaces in Crediton High Street, which make them notably distinguishable, are not only assisting motorists by indicating where they can park – they are also saving them from parking fines!

It was lobbying by Crediton Town Council and Mel Stride which won a major concession from the Government for Crediton motorists.

The dual-use loading bays on Crediton High Street were not easily identifiable and hundreds of motorists from the area were prosecuted for parking in the bays, mostly unaware that they should not.

Crediton Town Council, following several complaints, took up the issue on behalf of those who had been prosecuted and shopkeepers who felt that shoppers were being persecuted.

The council lobbied Mr Stride, who arranged for a meeting for a council representative and himself to meet with the Minister for Transport.

Mel and Cllr Liz Brookes-Hocking met with the Minister and officers from the Department for Transport to discuss the issue in January, at which the Minister conceded that the loading bays could be painted a different colour.

Mr Stride said after visiting the newly-marked loading bays: “I’m delighted that what was a highly unsatisfactory parking situation in Crediton has been resolved.

“The new, clearly marked parking bays mean that locals and visitors can now park, confident about the precise parking conditions in force in our High Street - this will mean more visitors to our shops and less parking fines for entirely innocent and unsuspecting motorists.

“I was really pleased to have been able to support the Town Council through Liz and my visit to the Transport Minister in Westminster and pay tribute to her and the council for all they have done to press on this issue. This is a victory for common sense.”