THE signs are in place in Chudleigh's main streets but the police and traffic wardens have been powerless to book drivers illegally parking their vehicles because the new line markings are not down.
Inspector Pam Giles, the new head of the Chudleigh police area, said new regulations had come in but it was difficult enforcing them because the road markings did not support the new parking restrictions.
She told Monday's monthly meeting of Chudleigh Parish Council that she had received several complaints about the lack of enforcement and had to explain that they could not be enforced because they were not legal.
'I have contacted the highways authority who have promised me faithfully the lines will be put down next week.
'That will be weather permitting. They cannot carry out the work if it is raining or if there is a frost.
'It is on their works programme for Monday and I have explained to them it would be extremely difficult if it was not done otherwise they would get the letters of complaint I have received,' said Insp Giles, who admitted she had spent five hours on Friday sorting the matter out.
She said highways had been very helpful and had come to this agreement.
'As soon as the lines are in place I can assure the town it will be policed,' she added.
Insp Giles admitted that the traffic warden had received abuse because of the situation including people shouting out of windows at her.
Cllr Stuart Sapp maintained Devon County Council's local services group had failed the council dismally.
As well as the lines, he said some steps at the top of Clifford Street had been broken up and the group had not done anything about it.
The council agreed to write to the county director of environment, Ed Chorlton on the matters raised and saying while it appreciated there had been a delay it had now been too long.
This week Insp Giles said it was hoped to start enforcing the parking regulations from Monday, March 17 and she appealed to drivers to be respectful of the new layout and avoid receiving a fixed penalty ticket.