Seaton protest fails to stop introduction of more parking charges

ON-STREET pay-and-day charges are to be introduced in Seaton despite protests from residents and town councillors.

ON-STREET pay-and-day charges are to be introduced in Seaton despite protests from residents and town councillors.

Matthew Scriven, Devon County Council's traffic policy manager, said it was a question of where the restrictions would be implemented, rather than when.

He told the monthly meeting of Seaton Town Council on Monday that objections would only be listened to if they related to safety and traffic issues.

He said the highway parking charges, likely to be introduced by the summer, were to increase turnover of parking spaces and for the town to contribute to on-street parking enforcement - which costs around �1 million across the county.

Cllr Julia Roebuck said: "The whole town is suffering immensely because of regeneration. We get singled out time and time again. This is the final straw - it beggars belief."

The move is to include 20 market and coastal towns across the county.

But cllr Graham Jones questioned why Seaton was selected over other areas. He said: "We have been singled out to be used as a guinea pig to help others like Budleigh Salterton."

Mr Scriven explained that any profit made would be put back into transport - but not necessarily into Seaton.

He said the restrictions could also be suspended, such as for charity events.

Cllr Jim Meakin said the move would be detrimental to businesses in the town. He added: "All we are really asking you is to go away and leave us alone."

The council agreed to hold a special meeting to make a formal response to DCC's proposal to introduce highway parking charges.