Drivers face 'stupid' £45 charge under new UK parking permit rules

Drivers face 'stupid' £45 charge under new UK parking permit rules
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Drivers have been warned over new parking permit scheme rules in the south of England. Plymouth City Council is seeking residents' views on a potential parking permit scheme in response to ongoing issues caused by commuters parking near Devonport dockyard.

More than 14,000 households in the Ham, Devonport, and Stoke wards have been asked to participate in a survey to address parking challenges in residential streets. Bit motorists are unhappy with what they have called a "stupid idea".

The authority has commissioned a survey in areas near the dockyard where it said residents have complained over a number of years that workers leave their cars in their streets and make it difficult for them to park near their homes. The aim of the consultation is to get residents’ feedback on the level of the problem and gauge their views on potential solutions - such as permit parking.

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A council spokesperson said: “We want to hear as many views as possible before deciding the best way of addressing the issue.” The survey started today, September 23, and will run until Friday, October 25.

Residents will receive letters advising them how to access the survey online or, if they don’t have internet access, request a paper copy or complete it over the phone. Only residents in the designated areas will be able to complete the survey and they will need to provide the access code in their letter.

The area affected stretches from Camels Head, through Keyham, Ford and Morice Town, encompasses Stoke Village and Devonport all the way to Brickfields and on to the Mayflower Marina. A five-storey car park, containing 602 spaces, was completed at Devonport dockyard last year.

In response, one driver said: "So because the dockyard haven't got enough parking for their employees, we have to fork out £45 a year to park where we live, great idea!" And a second said: "Stupid idea, the cost of permits will continue to increase over the years no doubt and for what?

"I probably still won’t be able to park outside my house or even the street because the council are likely to over sell permits but then I'll have to pay for the privilege too when I moved here, I knew on-street parking outside my house would be difficult at times."