Builders are 'abusing' parking permits in Devon

Builders are 'bullying, abusing and intimidating' enforcement officers, councillors claim.

Devon County Council issues dispensation permits that gives builders permission to park in restricted areas where it is essential to park close to properties to carry out work.

But concerns have been raised that in areas of Kingsbridge and Salcombe, the exemptions are being abused by builders, who are also ‘intimidating enforcement officers’.

Councillor Julian Brazil told the South Hams Highways and Traffic Orders Committee on Friday: “On the high street in Kingsbridge, there is a feeling that exemptions for builders to park cars and vans all day and night is being abused as in some cases, their cars are not part of the building work. The system is open to abuse and shopkeepers are upset that they are losing valuable parking spaces for shoppers.

Supporting him, Councillor Rufus Gilbert added: “I have some sympathy with them and there is bullying that goes on, and enforcement officers say no doubt about it, they are intimidated. There needs to be two of them or an officer with them as the experience is not very pleasant. I do sympathise with enforcement, but more enforcement of the issue isn’t that simple.”

Councillor Brazil proposed that the council needs to support enforcement officers to engage more with anyone suspected of abusing the scheme, and if they feel intimidated, then let people know, and if it happens again, they should will have permit withdrawn indefinitely.