Paignton parking offer during level crossing scheme

It will cost just £1.50 to park all day in Paignton's Victoria multi-storey car park while a new level crossing is being installed next to the railway station.

Network Rail is upgrading the signalling and infrastructure on the Paignton branch line, and this work will involve installing a new crossing.

Although train services will not be disrupted, the level crossing gates will have to remain locked shut for safety reasons.

Torbay Road will be closed from 10pm on Saturday, January 28 to 5am on Monday, February 13 whilst Amey Rail engineers carry out the level crossing work.

Cllr Robert Excell said: "We recognise that this improvement scheme will cause inconvenience because the crossing will have to be closed to vehicles and pedestrians, although the footbridge will remain open.

"We are keen to do what we can to encourage people to continue coming to Paignton so we hope that by offering £1.50 all day parking in Victoria car park will help."

A vehicle diversion route will be signed, and there will be a footpath route for pedestrians. Assistance will be given at the crossing to people with a disability who are unable to use either the footbridge or the footpath route.

Matthew Dart from Torbay Town Centres Company said: "It is good news that Torbay Council is providing all day parking for £1.50 in Victoria car park during this period of time while the crossing is down. It will hopefully encourage people to shop for longer in the town centre without having to worry.

"Torbay Road is still open for business, and wheelchair and pushchair access can be obtained through Victoria Park. Please support your local trader during these difficult times."

Geograph image by Derek Harper.