A park and ride scheme in south Devon has opened despite part of its site being taken over by travellers.
A group of about 40 caravans moved on to the land at Churston, near Brixham, on Thursday after travelling from the Exeter area.
Torbay Council says it will not affect the start of the summer operation which runs daily from 0830 until 1830.
Business leaders said the scheme was a crucial part of the regeneration of the town and would encourage more visitors.
Legal process
It was hoped the travellers would be moved on quickly to prevent their presence at the site putting tourists off.
Torbay Council said it would follow the full legal process to move the group on from the site.
The travellers said there were no temporary sites for them in Devon so they had to settle where they could.
Attempts to set up temporary sites for travellers have been scuppered by public opposition. Last year, Devon County Council had to back down over four proposed legal sites.
Councillor Chris Lomas said: "We are doing all we can to encourage people to take advantage of the park and ride.
"As a Brixham resident, I know only too well how congested with traffic the town can get, and how difficult it is to park, so I hope the scheme is well supported."
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