Double yellow lines are set to be installed in a small rural hamlet that is being blighted by dog walkers.

Preston, just outside Kingsteignton, is a small hamlet of approximately 15 residential properties, and a small number of farm-based businesses.

From Preston, footpaths give access to walks along the River Teign and out to Teigngrace and Stover, but the Teignbridge Highways and Traffic Orders Committee last Thursday heard that parking in the village had reached ‘epidemic levels’ and was ‘ruining their lives’.

The HATOC agreed that while they could not support the request of the Preston Residents Association for a residents’ parking scheme, they backed double yellows lines.

Cllr Ron Peart, who represents the Kingsteignton and Teign Estuary ward in which the hamlet lies, said: ‘This has reached an epidemic position for those who live there from 6.45am to 10pm at night and they get abuse from dog walkers. They need the protection they deserve as residents as it is ruining their life.’

He had initially called for a residents’ parking scheme, but withdrew that proposals and instead supported recommendations from other councillors to trial double yellow lines instead.

The HATOC supported the double yellow lines proposals and delegated authority to the chairman and the local member to work with the community for which specific bits of road they will apply to bring forward the scheme as part of the annual waiting restrictions programme.