Jerry Gilby, of South Ford Road, Dartmouth, writes:

So yet again the issue of parking rears its ugly head and yet again to the likely detriment of those of us who live in the old town, Multi-storey car park and a new bus terminal are mooted for town, Chronicle, March 1.

It is very easy for the councillors and so-called town representatives, who mainly live in nice houses with driveways and garages, to make decisions that will affect those of us who do not have the luxury of such facilities or even the possibility of parking outside our houses.

As winter recedes, the spectre of May 1 looms for many of us as the usual routine of driving around the town for ages, looking for a parking space, will soon begin, causing us to use precious fuel and create pollution.

The proposal that even more of the unrestricted parking will soon disappear is particularly worrying as it will leave many of us with nowhere to park.

Clearly there will never be a solution that will suit the many vested interests in the town but the removal of more unrestricted parking spaces must not be allowed to happen unless there are guarantees that sufficient residents' parking areas, accessible 24/7, will be a ring fenced part of an overall traffic management plan.

The parking survey was met with apathy from many thus strengthening the hand of those whom it won't affect and who will make decisions 'on our behalf'.

It is well known that there are a number of people who would gladly concrete over Coronation Park but you only have to look at the use of the park at weekends and through the summer to see that this is a well used local amenity that should not be reduced.

The idea of using some of the park to allow more parking along North Embankment may look good on paper but could well be the thin end of the wedge and any plan involving the park should be carefully scrutinised.

So what are the solutions? In short there aren't any but perhaps the following may be considered.

An improved park and ride, at a reasonable price that visitors will be encouraged to use. Perhaps the consideration of discount in town shops on production of ticket as occurs in a number of other coastal towns.

Better sign posting showing the status of available parking in the town so that visitors are less likely to drive round and round in circles clogging up the town.

A residents' parking scheme with sufficient spaces which is effective 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year, after all we don't all use our cars to standard patterns.

The additional parking spaces should be made available from the proposed reduction in unrestricted parking spaces and additionally a reduction in visitors' parking spaces in town if necessary.

Space should made available for local business users to park in the town but not at the ridiculous rates currently charged for reserved spaces in Mayors Avenue car park.

I am sure that ultimately decisions will be made without much thought to those that will be affected but that is not a reason just lie back and wait for it to happen.