PROPOSALS for parking meters to be installed in Okehampton have come under fire from the business community and the town council.

The town's chamber of trade says parking meters in the town centre would be detrimental to shopping habits.

And one town councillor claims Devon County Council, which is behind the proposal, is using the town as a 'cash cow'.

The town council has written to the county council, saying the proposals could negatively affect businesses and residents in the town — and the broadside comes as the county council launches a public consultation on the scheme.

These would see some 'limited waiting' bays, allowing free parking for between 30 minutes and one hour, replaced by metered bays. Visitors would be charged 60p for one hour of parking.

The county council believes the changes will reduce congestion and increase turnover of parking spaces, aiding town centre businesses and residents.

The county council will give 'consideration' to the first 30 minutes being free of charge.

Okehampton Chamber of Trade chairman Ian Bailey says the 30-minute free period is vital.

'Parking meters have never been seen as user-friendly, so they're detrimental to people's shopping habits.

'I feel very strongly that this will adversely affect traders in the town centre, and it's the last thing we need at the moment.

'If the 30-minute free period is agreed, then that would be a great benefit. Without it though, we're scuppered.'

Town councillor and former mayor Kay Bickley is urging residents and businesses to respond to the public consultation: 'In September, the county council released a document showing that their parking enforcement budget currently has a £658,000 deficit. In West Devon alone the deficit is £75,000.

'There are a number of changes the council could make to achieve savings, but residents and businesses are being used as cash cows to sort out Devon County Council's mess.'

The county council claims the metered bays system will 'make the enforcement process more efficient and cost-effective'.

The parking enforcement system, set up in 2008, is supposed to pay for itself by its fifth year. Exeter is currently the only scheme in Devon achieving this.

County council chairman Cllr Christine Marsh said: 'This isn't necessarily about raising money, but ultimately we all have to look at efficiency savings.

'We have to look at how we fund parking enforcement, and it's yet another thing that has been put onto local councils, so we have to make the system pay for itself.'

The town council

also expressed 'disappointment' at the 'token information' and 'minimal consultation' it had received on the proposed changes, owing to a 'streamlined' consultation process employed by the county council.

Cllr Bickley said the process was 'undemocratic' and did not represent the county council's promise to work in partnership with local councils.

'We feel we're on the back-foot somewhat, with no chance to ask all the questions we need to ask.

'We now have to rely on residents and businesses to make objections themselves.'

But Cllr Marsh denied that the consultation was undemocratic: 'The consultation begins now. Now is their chance to have their say.

'The meters will most likely happen, but we're asking for people's input as to the details — if people don't like where the meters are proposed, tell us.'

A county council spokesman said: 'The correct democratic process is being followed as the introduction of pay and display was agreed by Devon County Council's cabinet and proposals are being advertised in line with legal regulations.

'In communities where schemes are being put forward, local county council members and town councils have been consulted, ahead of the proposals being advertised.

'Okehampton is in the next tranche of schemes and will be advertised on November 18.'

'The town council, the local chamber of commerce and local residents then have the opportunity to respond by December 9.

Details for anyone wishing to view and comment on the proposals are contained in the advert and their views will be taken into account before any final scheme is implemented.'