THE 'free' parking in Teignmouth on Sundays is confusing motorists with several being booked.

Fees are waived in all Teignbridge Council car parks, but county council on-street regulations are still in force.

More than a dozen motorists were given tickets by a warden at 8am on a Sunday.

In Newton Abbot, however, there are no parking charges on or off street on Sundays, and Teignmouth traders and councillors are protesting: 'It's not fair.'

Town councillors on Tuesday said the distinction between the district and county parking areas was lost on the majority of residents.

Cllr Dave Matthews fumed that the 'free parking on Sundays' publicity by Teignbridge was misleading, and he demanded Teignmouth got parity with l From page 1

Newton.

Cllr Vince Fusco wanted to know why the resort was being treated differently, and Cllr Sylvia Russell added that people should not be expected to know the difference between the on and off street.

Town clerk Dave Tickell said traders had put up 'free parking' notices in good faith, only to find that customers were being booked in parking meter zones.

The Teignbridge civil enforcement officers also monitored the street meters on behalf of the county, which was charged a fee.

He had written to Cllr Stuart Barker, the Teignbridge member responsible for parking, but had not received a reply.

County Cllr James McMurray admitted there were anomalies between district and county policies, and far more co-ordination was needed. He pointed out that the county lost about £1 million a year in enforcing parking, but Teignbridge made a £2.5 million profit.

It was agreed that the clerk should write another strong letter of protest to Cllr Barker, asking for an urgent response.