Plans for on-street parking charges in Honiton put on hold. Meters to remain in Seaton. Axminster never a contender for meters.

PLANS to introduce on-street parking charges in Honiton are officially on hold.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, who was in charge of a Devon County Council scheme to look at installing meters, has told the Midweek Herald this afternoon (Sunday): “A report (on the introduction of charges) was going to a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

“That report has now been withdrawn. The whole process has been put on hold.

“We are willing to work with town councils, chambers of commerce, hoteliers and blue light services to work out traffic management plans for each individual town.

“One size doesn’t fit all. Each town has its own traffic problems.”

Councillor Hughes said he had taken note of objections.

“We are pulling back,” he said. “It will give us a chance to take a deep breath.”

Councillor Hughes said parking meters had never been considered for Axminster.

However, they will remain in Seaton.

“It appears to be working in Seaton very well,” he said. “You don’t take it out. We can go back in 12 months’ time and see if there is anything the town would like done.”