Controversial Devon tourist price hikes move forward

A controversial car parking strategy making holidaymakers pay more for their spaces in South Hams car parks has cleared its latest hurdle.

Local people are now being asked for their thoughts on the move, which sees South Hams Council increasing fees across its car parks for the first time in four years.

But residents will be able to apply for a discount, which means they will pay less per space than their summer visitors.

Two hours in the Mayor’s Avenue car park in Dartmouth would cost visitors £4.50, with residents parking for £3.80. A full day at Salcombe Creek would cost £10 for visitors and £8 for locals.

In Totnes two hours in the town centre would cost £3 for visitors and £2.50 for locals.

Cllr Victor Abbott (Lib Dem, Ivybridge East) said it was an ’innovative’ scheme, but some members objected to a potential £5 administration fee for residents applying for their discounts.

Council leader Julian Brazil (Lib Dem, Stokenham) added: “We don’t really want to do any of this, but we need to try and maximise our revenue as much as possible.”

The council says it has to put charges up because it can no longer afford the rising costs of delivering services, and its charges are already lower than most in Devon.

Members of the council’s executive meeting voted to send the matter out for public consultation, having already had mixed feedback from local councils in places like Salcombe, Dartmouth, Kingsbridge, Ivybridge and Totnes.

The consultation opens on Thursday 12 December and closes at 5pm on Sunday 5 January 2025.