Winter parking change to benefit drivers - council

East Devon District Council said the change would benefit motorists

Council bosses have changed a "popular" £2 winter parking scheme in east Devon in a bid to allow more drivers to benefit.

For £2, until 31 March, motorists can park for up to four hours in most short stay car parks, or midnight in other East Devon District Council car parks.

The council said: "At short-stay car parks in Sidmouth, Exmouth and Honiton, a four-hour maximum stay for the £2 ticket will be introduced, and this ticket will not be transferable to other car parks.

"As a result of this change, it is expected that more drivers will be able to make use of the best spaces, closer to the town centres."

The authority said it had listened to feedback from residents about the winter offer in previous years and had introduced changes at some of the council’s busiest car parks.

Short stay car parks with a four-hour limit:

• Imperial Road, Exmouth

• London Hotel, Exmouth

• Exmouth Town Hall, Exmouth

• Ham East, Sidmouth

• Ham West, Sidmouth

• Roxburgh, Sidmouth

• Mill Street, Sidmouth

• King Street, Honiton

'Make it easier'

Councillor Sam Hawkins, the council's portfolio holder for finance, said: "I’m delighted that we’re continuing the popular £2 parking offer this winter.

"The council has reviewed how car parks were used during the previous offers and this year’s changes will make it easier for residents and visitors to get a cheap parking space."

The authority added that Mamhead Slipway, and Sideshore Car Park in Exmouth, Otter Estuary Nature Reserve in Budleigh Salterton, and Lyme Street in Axminster, were not included in the offer as they were managed by the council but owned privately.