I HAVE written to Kennet District Council about parking in the Market Place thus: I wish to object to the proposal to introduce pay and display car parking in Devizes Market Place for the following reasons:

1. The income derived from off- street parking in Devizes (752 pay spaces) is £335,000 per annum. This is greatly in excess of the cost of maintenance and enforcement of these spaces.

The county council maintains the free 217 on-street spaces so that the only cost of these for Kennet is enforcement. Therefore it is only the 57 free spaces in the Market Place, a relatively small number, that Kennet has to maintain and enforce without parking charges. The proposal is clearly only a scheme to raise money. It is unjust that the

motorist should subsidise the council tax to this extent.

2. Charges for parking would be a real threat to the viability of existing retail businesses in the Market Place. This has been an agreed point up till now.

3. The description by Kennet of the Market Place as a 'prime' parking area is misleading. It is popular now because it is free. It will not be popular at 60p an hour. Devizes Market Place cannot be compared to the 'prime' shopping area in Marlborough High Street.

4. More motorists will seek free parking in adjacent residential streets to the great inconvenience of residents.

5. Pay and display notices and machines will greatly detract from the historic character of the Market Place.

6. The present parking arrangements work, ensuring a rapid turnover of vehicles. Why change it?

7. The introduction of parking charges may compromise many of the popular events held in the Market Place fairs, festivals, carnival and military occasions which are enjoyed by everyone in the Devizes community.

M TAYLOR

Kennet District councillor

Parkfield

Devizes