Exclusive by Alan Quick

PARKING restrictions to resolve minor local issues in Crediton, villages in the area, and other parts of Mid Devon, are currently being proposed by Devon County Council (DCC).

DCC says that the restrictions are being proposed to resolve issues that have been reported to the council and considered as part of the Mid Devon Highways and Traffic Orders Committee (Mid Devon HATOC) annual local waiting restrictions programme.

It says the restrictions are proposed to avoiding danger to persons or other traffic using the road or for preventing the likelihood of any such danger arising, for facilitating the passage on the road or any other road of any class of traffic (including pedestrians) and to preserve/improving the amenities of the area through which the roads run.

The parking restrictions, which could be just short sections of road include no parking, no waiting at any time, loading for goods vehicles or no waiting or no parking during certain times.

In Crediton, plans include restrictions at Threshers to improve road safety in the vicinity of the school by preventing inappropriate parking, preventing obstructive parking in Threshers and, at Landscore, to prevent inappropriate and obstructive parking.

In East Street, Crediton, restrictions are imposed to provide additional on-street parking and maintain access to off-street parking.

Other restrictions in town are also proposed in Thurlow Close and Waresfoot Drive.

In Bewsley Hill, Copplestone, the proposal is for No Waiting At Any Time for a distance of 13 metres in a north-easterly direction on the south-east side from a point 60 metres north-east of its junction with Fernworthy Park.

In Sandford the proposal, to enable the village bus to proceed safely, includes No Waiting At Any Time at two locations in The Square and also a 13-metre stretch on the road from Crofts Estate to the Lamb Inn.

There will also be Limited Waiting, Monday to Saturday, from 8am to 6pm, of 30 minutes, No Return within one hour, for part of The Square, Sandford.

Other restrictions are proposed at Tiverton, Cullompton and Bradninch.

Specific details of what is proposed at each location can be found within the deposit documents which are available to view at Devon County Council and Mid Devon District Council offices or with the relevant parish or town councils.

Any comments or objections to the proposals should be submitted by Tuesday, October 3, to Ian Roberts, for the County Solicitor, at Devon County Council, Legal Department Room GO3, County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter EX2 4QD.

Alternatively, telephone 01392 382000 or email: [email protected] .

SANDFORD PROPOSALS

Speaking about the proposals for Sandford, County Councillor Mrs Margaret Squires, the local ward member, said: “With regard to the waiting restrictions in Sandford Square, some of the residents of the parish rely on the bus to get anywhere - it is not all of us that have a car at our disposal.

“Sandford is well-served by the 369 bus and the opportunity to travel to Crediton and Exeter through the day – there are other of villages locally who only see a service bus once a week.

“From Crediton and Exeter there are obviously other buses allowing travel further away. This to some people is a lifeline.

“In recent times there have been occasions when the bus has had difficulty entering the Square because of parked cars.

“I, as well as others, have witnessed the bus stopped and the driver knocking on doors to find the drivers of the vehicles blocking his way to get them moved.

“It is not just the bus that can’t get through but all large vehicles – it could be a fire engine one day. 

“The concerns have been raised with Sandford Parish Council a number of times in recent years and unfortunately it has reached the situation that we are looking at a Traffic Order for some double yellow lines.

“The lines are proposed in three locations:

1. At the bottom of Church Street to prevent cars mounting the kerb on the opposite side of the road

2. At the junction from Rose and Crown Hill into the Square – also to prevent parking on the pavement  

3. From Crofts direction towards the Square.

“There is also a proposal for a restricted waiting area to serve the shop.

“These proposals are currently being advertised for consultation. There are signs placed at each location. There is the opportunity for everyone to comment or object.

“Please voice your concerns.

“As well as inconsiderate parking being a nuisance to traffic, it also makes it difficult for wheelchair users and parents with young children and buggies to go along the pavements.”

• Do you have a view about the parking restrictions proposed?

Share your views by writing a letter, suitable for publication and including your name, address and a daytime telephone number, to: The Editorial Manager, “Crediton Courier”, 102 High Street, Crediton EX17 1DP.

Alternatively, send an email, with the required information, to: [email protected] .