DARTMOUTH's long-awaited traffic questionnaire should be dropping through the letter boxes of 3,000 homes over the next couple of weeks.

Defining the questions for a single-page form has involved tense discussions bettween councillors and other groups but the final version will focus on the key issues.

The all-important questions include:

l If the proceeds were used to support an improved park and ride and/or residents' parking, would you support pay and display?

Would you like to see more pedestrian-only areas?

Would you like to see a residents' parking scheme?

Would you prefer traffic and parking management to remain as it is now?

The survey follows a Devon County Council appeal for Dartmouth to devise its own traffic and parking management plan.

In response, Dartmouth Town Council formed a traffic and parking sub-committee of councillors and interested parties to prepare a plan that supports economic development and improves the current situation.

Committe chairman Paul Reach welcomed progress on the final draft of the questionnaire, following a 'fractious' meeting last Thursday, and conceded there are many people holding strong views on this 'emotive issue'.

He has reminded them: 'Our philosophy is saying, basically, that the car is not king, people are! So if we can improve the experience of Dartmouth for everyone, while recognising their need to travel and park here without too much hassle or cost, then I believe we will make progress in improving the economic outlook for Dartmouth.'

As for the questionnaire, the county council has suggested that a 10 per cent 'poll' is fairly normal, but Cllr Reach hopes the town's response might be 25 per cent or more.

If people don't reply, he argues, then the assumption is they are happy to let other people make the decisions.

The questionnaires will be printed next week and distributed over the the following two weeks.

The information will then be analysed and prepared in a graphic presentation.

Cllr Reach said it would be a shame if there was a campaign against pay and display in isolation, without considering the reasons for proposing such a system.

However, he is confident that the people of Dartmouth would understand the proposals and make a reasoned judgment of their merits.

As a background statement to the questionnaires, residents are reminded that most of the issues identified are magnified in the summer months.

The key issues that have come to light are: There is not enough parking for residents in the town.

The park and ride is under-utilised and should be improved to make it a more attractive option.

There is not enough short-stay parking in the town for quick turnover activities.

The town suffers from congestion and motorists trying to find parking.