Car parking charges have once again hit the headlines.  The RAC Foundation recently caused a media storm in a teacup after releasing figures which listed all local authorities in England and the surplus from their parking activities.

Cue media howls of ‘pay and dismay'.  Enter stage right, a combative communities secretary to milk the cash cow comments.  Stage left is the disgruntled motorist who thinks we're on to a ‘nice little earner'.  We are centre-stage, looking at the dashboard and the road ahead.  What is the real story? Patently, the pressure is on and we are likely to remain on a bumpy road financially for years to come: 15p short for every £1 we need to spend.

What is equally clear is central Government's direction to us to become streamlined and cheaper, without passing on negative impacts to customers via service cuts and council tax hikes.  We are rising to the challenge.

Teignbridge is one of the cheapest authorities in Devon for parking.  For example, after a pilot scheme to test it, we offer free parking in key council-owned car parks on Sundays.  Our parking strategy is far from the same basic model for all car parks in all locations.

It is a balanced and targeted charging regime.  It takes into account local need, usage and location; consequences of ‘free' parking such as residents and commuters occupying spaces all day causing pressures for shoppers, businesses and visitors, driver and pedestrian safety and the need to keep traffic moving.

This has resulted in a strategy that generates crucial revenue, boosts the local economy and results in accelerating customer satisfaction.

Net parking income goes back into the general fund year-on-year to support district-wide and Devon services.  It means Teignbridge is able to deliver a four-year council tax freeze and give customers and visitors a ‘free day' to help the economic vitality of key towns and villages to really get motoring.

The net result is greater footfall, more business in local shops and food outlets, and the happy sound of tills rather than horns as drivers use the car parks.

Government wants growth and here in South Devon we are open for business and the public is happy.

We have also introduced a new deal offering an annual discount package, where customers pay cheaper parking fees at quieter times, freeing up spaces for visitors and incentivising town trade during off-peak periods.

Without income raised from parking streams and reasonable, pragmatic enforcement, there would be greater strain on services, more cuts and increased tax burdens.

Nicola Bulbeck is chief executive of Teignbridge DC