A NEW care and health worker parking permit has been launched which will allow professionals visiting people at home to park on double yellow lines in ‘certain circumstances’.

Currently care and health professionals who hold the existing permit can park in on-street, limited waiting and residents’ parking bays for no charge when delivering essential services to residents in their homes.

Holders of the improved permit will additionally be allowed to park on yellow lines for up to an hour — but only if there is no other parking available, if they are making a home visit, the permit is clearly displayed and the vehicle is not causing an obstruction. The parked vehicle must not block access or pose a danger to road users.

The improved scheme is being launched initially as a year-long pilot and the changes are in recognition that in some communities parking can be difficult to find and can add to the stress of an already demanding job.

The new permits will be in the form of a time clock, like those issued to blue badge holders, which must be displayed.

For those working for care and health companies, agencies or organisations, the permits will be managed and distributed by their line manager who will allocate each permit to eligible staff.

West Devon-based care company Devon and Cornwall Care Services (DACCS) has been presented with the trial permits and said they would be beneficial for its carers in certain towns and villages in and around Tavistock and Okehampton.

DACCS director Pauline Hilton said: ‘There are conditions on these permits but the introduction of these permits is a positive thing and I am hoping they will prove useful. We will be monitoring this and making sure these permits are used correctly and that the carers are following the terms and conditions of this scheme.’

The new scheme follows a consultation in which 89% of respondents agreed that including yellow lines in the scheme would make their jobs easier and 80% said it would help them care for their clients.

Cllr Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council’s cabinet member for highways management, said: ‘I’m delighted that this new scheme has been launched. Many care and health workers have told us that they struggle to park in some areas and it can affect their ability to deliver essential services to vulnerable people and adds to their stress.’

County councillor Andrew Leadbetter, member for adult social care and health services, said: ‘Care and health workers are highly valued, they help some of the most vulnerable in our communities live in their homes for longer. This scheme will make it easier for them to do their jobs and improve access to those living at home.’