A CONSULTATION has been launched on proposed changes to Devon County Council’s parking dispensation permit scheme.

The County Council is proposing to introduce additional types of permit to provide greater flexibility for those who use the scheme by reducing the need to book for each site where they are parking.

If approved, three different types of permits will be available to businesses, contractors and landlords to pre-purchase and use as and when required.

These permits are the annual dispensation costing £45 per year, short stay dispensation which costs £60 for a batch of 20 permits that are valid for three hours each, and dispensation notice permits, charged at £5 per application plus £5 for each day up to 21 days.

The aim is for the new service to be introduced in September.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “The scheme aims to make it much easier for contractors and landlords, offering them greater choice and reducing the admin they need to do to book a dispensation permit. The permits are essential to enable them to park in areas with parking restrictions, while ensuring that traffic movement isn't disrupted. However, until this consultation process has been completed, its business as usual for anyone booking a parking dispensation.”

The proposals are subject to the same process as all other Traffic Orders, and comments and objections must be made by Friday 26 June.

For more information or to comment online visit: http://devon.cc/cpetro

Alternatively write to (quoting reference IMR/B06948): County Solicitor, County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter, EX2 4QD.