MUCH of the March meeting of Sandford Parish Council was spent discussing the new yellow lines and parking in and around Sandford Square.

Amy Garwood (Assistant Technician, Highway Management, Devon County Council) had responded to questions posed regarding the new Yellow Lines:

“I) Untaxed vehicle in Sandford Square delaying completion of completing painting of the yellow lines. Until the vehicle is removed we will not be able to complete the works, this will rely on DVLA taking action. We would appreciate if you can let us know once it has gone so we can ask the contractor to re-attend asap and complete the works.”The clerk reported that the untaxed vehicle had been removed and this had been reported to DCC who promised that the final yellow lines could now be painted.II) Are warning parking signs to be erected?“Signs are not erected adjacent to double yellow lines, their meaning and purpose are clear.”III) Will the Shop Parking Bay be marked up?

“There will be no wording painted beside or in the limited waiting bay, the sign is sufficient to inform people of the bay’s restriction.”

IV) Sandford Stores had written to DCC stating that the “Shop Space” was “In the wrong place”.

DCC had responded to say: “The bay should have been marked according to the markings we made on site before the lining gang attended, I will get someone to check this. The bay was not marked in front of the steps so it was possible for people to use the steps once they had parked and get up to the shop.

“My colleague raised concerns with the County Councillor and the Parish Council, when we had our initial site visit with them, that implementing parking restrictions in Sandford would create a target for drivers to park beyond these lines where there were no other restrictions in place.

“Areas with no parking restrictions may now be viewed as acceptable to park but it relies on drivers using their common sense and parking in an acceptable manner so as to not block the highway.”

V) Policing of the Yellow Lines

“Devon County Council will enforce these restrictions. I will contact our Enforcement Team for the area and ask that they include Sandford on their beat. As there were previously no restrictions in Sandford this is a new location they will need to incorporate into their routes and may take a little time to review.”

VI) Future Review of the Yellow Lines

“Requests for review of the new restrictions need to be directed through your County Councillor, as we will seek their support to progress any amendments.”

Dave Waring, Sandford’s PCSO, had also responded to issues concerning Parking in the Square and the new Yellow Lines:

“Parking offences were decriminalised several years ago and the relevant powers were transferred to the local /district councils to undertake the enforcement. The police no longer have the powers or the authority to issues parking tickets for parking offences.

“In relation to any vehicle obstruction within the area, we as the Police, have to personally witness such an obstruction before any action can be undertaken, should there be an officer available to attend at the time and resources/incidents allowing then an officer will ideally be despatched to assist.

“I did actually speak with the CEO (Civil Enforcement Officer) on Friday morning and have requested that where possible attention is paid to the Square in Sandford, particularly as the yellow lines have just been installed (Sandford is one of several areas which attention needs to be applied to).

“The CEO is going to speak with her supervisor regarding my request and I am hoping that some attention will be undertaken in the future.

“I will also ask my colleagues, when on duty, to pay passing attention to the area whenever possible and assist accordingly with any obstructions as necessary and within the remit of the Police.”

PLANNING

Cross Barton, Upton Hellions, planning application – The chairman had spoken to the chairman of the Upton Hellions meeting and it was understood that parishioners there were to hold a meeting.

It was agreed that Sandford Parish Council would not make any comments on this application.

Creedy Bridge Public Event and Meeting with SPC – This had been postponed and a new date would be arranged in April.

Creedy View Car Park – No developments to report.

Thanks were recorded to Barny Butterfield and Graham Baker for assistance given to Sandford during the recent snowy spell for milk deliveries. Also to Graham for assistance to neighbours, and snow clearing.

The next meeting of the Parish Council will take place at 7.30pm on Thursday, April 5, in Sandford Congregational Church Hall.

MJV