Anger over parking distance plan

People who park correctly have nothing to fear, the council insists

Angry motorists say they may have to carry tape measures with them to avoid parking fines in a Devon resort.

Torbay Council has warned drivers it is considering issuing fixed penalty notices to people who park more than 50cm (20in) from the kerb.

The council said Torbay had many narrow roads and action had to taken against irresponsible drivers whose parking can impede emergency and service vehicles.

The deputy mayor said the alternative was to restrict parking for everyone.

'Mercenary motive'

"The council is trying to be as liberal as possible with double yellow lines," Chris Lewis said.

"So do we put yellow lines down one side of the road so there's always room, or do we penalise the motorist who's not parked very well and has caused problems for everyone else?

"I'd much rather penalise that one driver, rather than upset the whole street.

"If people parked correctly and courteously, they would have nothing to fear."

He added: "It has been suggested that we are considering whether to issue the people who enforce our parking restrictions with tape measures, but the answer is no, we are not.

"Whilst several people have contacted our parking team expressing concern at the suggestion that we are going to enforce the 50cm restriction, it is interesting to note that many people have gone on to the BBC Devon news website and have expressed their support."

A spokesman said the council had "no immediate plans" to introduce the restrictions.

But some drivers in the Bay have described the plan as "pathetic" and said the council had a more mercenary motive.

"It's just another excuse for the council to get in as much money as possible," one local resident, who did not want to be identified, said.

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