Bay set for first parking meters

THE first parking meters in Torbay will be going into Paignton from next week.

Torbay Council has confirmed that a number of new pay and display parking machines will be installed in Palace Avenue, at the start of a phased programme.

New road lining and relevant signs will also go in to advertise the new regulations.

Notices will be put up advising drivers when charging will come into effect and this will be determined by the progress of the work.

The decision to introduce meters was agreed earlier this year, with the income being used to help fund badly needed improvements to car parks across the Bay.

The scheme is costing £400,000 and originally it was estimated could raise up to £1million a year.

But following a public backlash the council agreed not to put meters in some areas, including St Marychurch and Babbacombe, for the time being.

The council is warning drivers to check signs in identified streets as the meters go in.

They are Hyde Road, Dendy Road, Queens Road, Torbay Road, Torquay Road and The Esplanade, Paignton; Abbey Road, Union Street, Market Street, Castle Road, Lymington Road, The Terrace, Torwood Street, Victoria Parade, Parkhill Road and Torwood Gardens Road, Torquay.

Torbay Road will also be included once the works on Rock Walk are completed.

Cllr Chris Lewis, cabinet member for transport and planning, said: "On-street pay and display parking ticket machines are operated in many towns and cities up and down the country, including Newton Abbot, Teignmouth and Exeter.

"We believe it is appropriate that we follow suit and introduce a similar system in Torbay.

"The areas we have chosen are all town centre locations or are close to local amenities.

"At these places we want to ensure there is a turnover of spaces so that motorists who want to visit the town, or the seafront, for a short period have a good chance of finding a space.

"It is hoped that this will give priority to shoppers and visitors, and reduce the need to search for a space.

"However, it is recognised that some shoppers may want to stop for a short period or longer than one hour, so tariffs have been introduced in many locations for various time limits up to two hours to give people the choice.

"We are also keen to state that the majority of the extra income will be reinvested into improving the condition of the council-run car parks."

Drivers are being encouraged to use these car parks for longer stay parking.

On street charges will be similar to those imposed elsewhere, with £1 for a one-hour parking ticket.

Mr Lewis said they were looking at a minimum stay period of 10 minutes with a 20p tariff in some locations where traders rely on short stops by customers.

"We are also reviewing time limits," he said.

"In most places where parking has been limited to one hour we are looking at allowing pay and display parking for up to two hours."

Lower winter tariffs are proposed for seafront locations.

The council says it will advise the public in advance of the next phase of machines being installed.