Residents' parking consultation to be launched in Exmouth

A consultation is being launched later this week (Friday 4 October) on residents' parking in Exmouth.

In response to requests from local residents, Devon County Council is undertaking the consultation to measure the support for a residents' parking scheme in certain areas of the town.

Residents' parking aims to discourage all day commuter parking in residential areas and reduce congestion for local residents.

The areas initially being considered for residents' parking include around the town centre area, the Colony – including Hartopp Road and Church Road, East of Exeter Road - including North Street and Withycombe Road, West of Imperial Road – including St Andrews Road and Victoria Road, East of Rolle Street – including Albion Street and Bicton Street, as well as an area covering Carter Avenue and Southern Road.

The proposals would look to introduce a combination of residents' parking zonal restrictions, pay and display bays and limited waiting areas.

All responses from the public will be summarised and reported to the East Devon Highway and Traffic Orders Committee for a decision as to whether the schemes are taken forward for further consultation.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet member for Highway Management, said: "Residents in Exmouth have raised concerns with us that they are experiencing difficulties with the current on-street parking arrangements.

"We need to ensure that residents have priority to park within their own area, while also recognising the needs of local businesses and schools.

"We're keen to hear what people think of the idea of introducing residents' parking in areas of the town, and their feedback can then help shape the scheme as it develops."

Councillor Richard Scott, Devon County Councillor for Exmouth, said: "Jeff and I committed in 2017 to a consultation after listening to concerns raised by residents.

"I urge all residents to carefully consider the criteria and feedback as much information as possible to inform future decision making."

Councillor Jeff Trail, Devon County Councillor for Exmouth, said: "Richard and I have been working on this project at the request of residents within the Colonies Exmouth.

"We have listened to their views and have worked relentlessly with our highways officers to bring about this consultation to give residents the opportunity to feedback their concerns.

"Residential parking is not the be all or the solution to parking issues and I urge residents to read the information before responding and then raise any issues they may have."

Residents' permits would cost £30 each and would be limited to two permits per household, although when the scheme is first introduced, existing residents would be able to buy as many permits as there are eligible vehicles for their address and may continue to renew these additional permits, before they expire, for as long as they remain living there.

Visitor permits would be available to purchase for all households in the area, while essential visitor permits would be available free of charge for households within the scheme where they can demonstrate a need for care support.

Business permits can be purchased for vehicles necessary for the day to day operation of a business within the area of the scheme, while permits for guests of Hotels and B&Bs would also be available to buy.

Disabled drivers displaying a blue badge would be exempt from residents' parking, pay and display and limited waiting restrictions.

Residents within the proposed areas will receive information about the consultation by post, but all Exmouth residents are invited to comment.

The consultation will close on Friday 25 October.

Feedback can be submitted online from Friday (4 October) or by post to the following address:

Traffic Management Team, Devon County Council, County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter, EX2 4QD.

More information can be found via the red button below from Friday (4 October).