Tuesday 05 October 2010, author: admin

Two months ago the Chamber of Commerce, with the very active support of
Totnes District Cllr, Ann Ward, lobbied HATOC (Highways and Traffic
Orders Committee) for a review of the Residents Parking Scheme. We did
so because of the hugely negative and complex unforseen consequences of
that scheme. I say "unforseen" except that they were all very clearly
forseen in a comprehensive feasability study commissioned by DCC in 2006
from Parsons Brinckerhoff.
Exactly why this expensive and professional report was totally ignored,
or more accurately, the opposite of its recommendations, implemented
remains one of life's great mysteries. Well perhaps not quite that
enormous but more important is why the Town Council were not informed of
the report's existence before being asked to endorse the scheme.This
question has now been taken up by Cllr Pru Boswell.
Last week a meeting was held in response to our request. Best to skip
quickly over that meeting, hackles were well raised, defences erected
and no answers given.
Nevertheless, mainly in response to Chamber member Pete Rylands
impassioned denunciation of the effects of the RPS, it was agreed to
hold the next meeting asap to look at suggestions which could be
implemented immediately. Unfortunately, unravelling the mess which has
been created by DCC is going to be a very much longer process but there
might be some things which could be put in place or altered straight
away to ameliorated the situation.
OVER TO YOU
What ideas do you have which can be reasonably be presented to the next
meeting.?
Are there specific residents roads which you know are empty during the day?
Are there car parks which should be redesignated ?
Are there schemes working elsewhere?
We need your answers by this Sunday to the problems we face.
The meeting is next Mon. If you want to be there to present your
proposals let me know.
Paul Wesley Chair
thepaulwesley@btinternet.com