East Devon’s Conservative MP, Hugo Swire, has welcomed ‘common sense’ measures to make sure drivers are treated more fairly when parking in the region.

The Tories aim to introduce a 10-minute ‘grace’ period for drivers when parked in a council-owned car park or on-street parking space.

Their proposals also include the banning of CCTV ‘spy cars’, which issue automatic fines.

Mr Swire said: “Under Labour, parking rules made law-abiding motorists feel like criminals, and caused enormous damage to shops and businesses.

“That’s why the Conservatives are introducing new, common sense changes to make it easier for people to visit East Devon, especially our town centres.”

East Devon District Council (EDDC) received £1,930,000 in surplus revenue from parking charges and £168,000 in parking fines in 2013/14.

He added: “EDDC must now get behind the changes and ensure that their policies are not deterring people from visiting this area.

“Conservatives are ending the war on drivers who simply want to go about their daily business.”