A consultation to introduce Pay and Display parking in key areas of Honiton and Sidmouth ended yesterday (January 7).

Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO) are being advertised at the end November/early December and will set out Devon County Council’s (DCC) proposals.

Have your say on the Devon County Council website from the end of November/early December.

 The advertisement dates were held in Honiton; November 29 and Sidmouth: December. Which allowed residents to see the full plans.

The public then had 21 days to view the proposals and comment through the parking pages on DCC’s website. The proposals follow a review of parking management agreed by DCC’s Cabinet in November last year.

A spokesman for DDC said: "It can help reduce congestion and encourages the turn-over of vehicles and availability of parking spaces, particularly in busy town centres, thereby helping to support the local economy and the use of local shops and businesses.

"Following discussions with local members and community representatives, the proposals also include one-hour free parking in the new Pay & Display spaces in the areas. This is to ensure that the new parking policy strikes the right balance of keeping costs down for users while delivering the benefits we have identified."

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council’s cabinet Member for Highways Management, said: “I understand there may be concerns about Pay & Display, and that is why we have talked to local groups and elected members to ensure that the first hour parking is free.

“Pay & Display has been in place in many communities in Devon for some years and we believe it is one of the components that is needed to ensure a healthy high street and community.

“It encourages turnover of parking spaces thereby increasing the availability of town centre parking in busy areas, it reduces congestion and may encourage some to walk and cycle more.”

Comments received through the consultation will be considered before any final decision is made.