Parking permits can save you money in North Devon

PEOPLE who use council-owned car parks on a regular basis could be saving themselves hundreds of pounds by applying for a permit instead of paying the daily rate. North Devon Council offers weekly, quarterly and annual parking permits which could halve

PEOPLE who use council-owned car parks on a regular basis could be saving themselves hundreds of pounds by applying for a permit instead of paying the daily rate. North Devon Council offers weekly, quarterly and annual parking permits which could halve the amount people have to spend in car parks each year. The annual and quarterly permits are of most benefit to those who use car parks five or more days a week, such as those who drive to work. Available for all council-managed long stay car parks in the North Devon area and costing �55.05 for a quarter or �176.15 for the year, they could make significant savings for regular car park users.At �18.60, weekly permits are designed for tourists who plan to visit more than one car park each day. Cllr Eric Ley, North Devon Council's Lead Member for car parks, said: "Times are hard for many at the moment, so we want to make sure that as many people as possible are aware of the potential savings they could make by applying for a permit. This should also have a positive knock-on effect for local businesses."If you use the council's long stay car parks more than three times a week throughout the year you could save yourself money, and the hassle of remembering change for the machine every day."The council also recently introduced a residents' evening permit to help locals coming home from work to park in nearby car parks for a small annual charge, instead of paying by the hour. The evening permits cost �20 for the year and allow parking in a specified car park from 4.45pm until midnight, Monday to Saturday or Monday to Sunday (depending on car park). For a full list of which car parks are included in these schemes and details of how to apply go to www.northdevon.gov.uk/carparks, call (01271) 388279 or pop in to one of the council's offices at the Civic Centre, Barnstaple, The Ilfracombe Centre or The Amory Centre, South Molton.