PARKING enforcement powers were transferred from Devon and Cornwall Police to Devon County Council on Monday. The county council will oversee the enforcement of on-street parking, which will introduce a fairer penalty system. More serious offences, such as parking on double yellow lines, will be penalised, while fines will be reduced for lesser offences such as overstaying their parking time. Police officers will still deal with dangerous parking, obstruction and other more serious matters. Local district councils and Exeter City Council will work in partnership with Devon County Council to deliver the new parking enforcement service. Cllr Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council executive member for environment, said: 'The new system, transferred from the police to the county council by Government, will be much fairer and our aim is not to impose fines unnecessarily but to prevent traffic congestion and improve road safety. 'Working with other local authorities in the county will ensure we deliver a consistent service across Devon. 'We will not pursue an aggressive level of enforcement and I hope that motorists will help by ensuring that they park in accordance with the traffic orders.' Income from penalty charges will be re-invested in the provision of the service and any surplus money will be spent on transport schemes. A publicity campaign has been held over the past fortnight to explain how the scheme will work. For more information go to http://www.devon.gov.uk/parkingenforcement">www.devon.gov.uk/parkingenforcement