Traffic wardens were branded as ’over zealous’

THE story appeared in the Courier on Friday, January 13, issue 1120.

TRAFFIC Wardens were branded as "over zealous" on Bank Holiday Monday (January 2) when they issued parking tickets along Crediton High Street.

Local residents, who parked on the High Street were ticketed by traffic wardens for parking for more than the authorised 45 minutes.

Many had assumed that because most of the shops were shut that parking and loading bay restrictions would not apply.

Devon County Councillor Nick Way will be raising the issue with Devon County Council

and explained that in his opinion, although the traffic wardens acted within the law, it was deemed unnecessary as all the shops were shut and there were no or very few deliveries taking place.

He felt there should have been a lighter touch and the community should have been considered.

What do you think?

Please let me know. You can contact me at: 102 High Street, Crediton or by email at: [email protected] .

What you told us ...

It was over the top. It wasn’t necessary. I was quite incensed that they would give parking tickets on a Bank Holiday just to catch people who were parking properly. I was cheesed off about it.

Andy, Crediton

I have seen the traffic wardens booking people in Searle Street on a Sunday morning. They do it every other Sunday. It’s a bit naughty. Some book quicker than others. I totally agree with what was said in the story.

Crediton Resident

About a month ago I was parked in the loading bay near Tesco at 3pm and the warden, quite correctly, came over and warned me. I was under the impression that you could park there after 2pm, but that has been changed. They keep changing the signs and it’s very confusing. I don’t know why they have to book people on a Bank Holiday. Perhaps if they didn’t charge so much for the car park less people would park on the streets.

Crediton Resident

Previously, the traffic wardens managed the parking in the town, but now it’s just about making money.

Bruce Evans, Crediton

It’s a bit penny-pinching booking people on a Bank Holiday. If there is a sign up which says you shouldn’t park then I don’t.

George Austin, Down St Mary

To keep the traffic flowing when the shops are open is one thing but to book people when the shops are closed is another. It was just a money-making exercise. There aren’t many towns that offer on-street parking and we do need to make people feel comfortable about parking on the High Street. They could be doing more to support the town.

Crediton Shopkeeper