The Conservative-run authority said it was examining options for charging staff for permits in the future.

BBC: Torbay Council staff parking criticised

The authority insisted it was still examining the viability of that option.

BBC: Complaint made over harbour plans

Rice said the Mideast Quartet -- composed of the United Nations, the European Union, the United States and Russia -- is examining a plan by Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad for the Palestinian Authority to take a greater role in monitoring border crossings between Gaza and Israel.

CNN: Rice calls on Israel to avoid crisis