Honiton: Parking misery prompts action

PARKING on a Honiton estate has been branded illegal and dangerous by fed up residents.

PARKING on a Honiton estate has been branded "illegal and dangerous" by fed up residents.

Devon County Council is now reviewing parking arrangements in Oaklea, off Dowell Street, following a string of complaints.

As the recession tightens its grip on purse strings, the cost of parking appears to have become too much for some.

Workers are parking their cars on the private estate to avoid pay and display charges at nearby car parks. Some vehicles are being left on the estate for weeks at a time.

Angry Oaklea homeowners attended a meeting of Honiton Town Council's planning committee last week - to outline their concerns and to push for support for the introduction of a residents' parking permit scheme.

Councillors, however, feared such a scheme would be difficult to enforce and, instead, recommended the implementation of double yellow lines.

Councillors were mindful that similar, long-running issues have yet to be addressed at Jerrard Crescent, Orchard Way, Westcott Way and Church Hill.

Oaklea resident Lynn Millman said the corner into Oaklea is "a total blind spot", because cars are being left at the top of the road, within inches of the bend.

"Drives are being obstructed, access is impossible for residents and, by the grace of God, there hasn't been an accident," she said.

Councillor Ron Farnham said: "There have been severe problems here for a good number of years and it is getting worse and worse."

The mayor, Councillor Vivienne Ash, was fearful any changes could move the problem further along the road.

More to follow on this story.