News : North Devon Insight

Fees at three North Devon car parks are to be changed to try to help local businesses and shoppers during the economic downturn.

At a North Devon Council meeting in July, Executive members agreed to a proposal by Deputy Leader Councillor Rodney Cann to make changes at Fremington car park. They also confirmed previously discussed changes at Lower Pilton car park and Congrams Close car park in Newport. This would allow drivers to park at these sites for up to one hour for free.

As well as offering the first hour’s free parking at Fremington, Executive members also agreed in principle to sell off a small area of the car park, which is in a poor condition and rarely used. As part of this arrangement, the also agreed in principle to fund an additional small parking area at Fremington Quay, with appropriate landscaping, in keeping with the conservation area.

Councillor Rodney Cann says: “This is a win-win situation for the people of Fremington. We’ve been fighting hard to get this site restored as a free community car park, so I am delighted we’ve now been able to secure this. The additional parking bays at Fremington Quay would also be great news and will mean even more people can get out and park at the site, to enjoy what the area has to offer.”

Fremington ward member, Councillor Frank Biederman, says: “I am glad Executive members agreed to the parking changes at Fremington. It’s a common sense decision and a victory for local people, who have been telling us that this is what they want. The free hour’s parking should also help cut down on the amount of vehicles parked on the street, which will also help traffic issues in the area.”

The appropriate legal changes and notices will now be carried out, with the first hour’s free parking at the three car parks to be introduced later in the year, following consultation. After this time, full charges will still apply to parking for more than one hour. Meanwhile, a report about the other proposed changes at Fremington and Fremington Quay will be considered at the next Executive meeting.