Doctors, nurses and careworkers could be allowed to park on yellow lines while visiting patients at home - after a consultation from residents.

Current permits allow healthcare workers to use on-street pay and display, limited waiting and residents parking free of charge if visiting patients.

But an order announced on Thursday, August 1, proposed parking on single and double yellow lines.

The health professional will have to make reasonable effort to find alternative parking - and park where it is safe to do so.

The vehicle must not cause obstruction, block access or pose danger to other drivers.

Devon County Council plans to trial the new scheme from autumn - but is asking for residents’ opinions before greenlighting the project.

The proposals follow an online consultation last year in which 89 per cent of the 150 workers who responded agreed parking on yellow lines would make jobs easier.

Eighty per cent said it would help them care for their clients.

Almost 65 per cent said it would help them manage stress and most said that parking near their clients’ homes would help them feel safer.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, cabinet member for highways management, said: “The present exemption scheme has been a great success, but I recognise that parking in some communities continues to be difficult and driving around trying to find a parking spot can add to the stress.

“This was a common theme from care workers in our consultation last year and that’s why I endorsed plans to look at how we can further improve the scheme.

“If you have a view about our proposals we’d like to hear about it.”

Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, cabinet member for adult social care and health services, said: “Health and care workers help some of the most vulnerable in our communities and improve their quality of life by helping them remain living in their homes for longer.

“By providing the flexibility they need, it will make it easier for them to do their jobs.

“It’s no secret that the care sector is under pressure. These plans will help care and health workers to arrive at their appointments in good time.

“This will improve their access to clients living at home and ultimately benefit the whole community.”

You can provide feedback until Thursday, August 22.

Objections and other comments can be sent in writing: County Solicitor, County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter, EX2 4QD.

Or you can complete this form online: https://bit.ly/2M2u0vC.