Holidaymakers heading to popular south Devon destinations such as Salcombe and Dartmouth are set to feel the pinch as parking charges will indeed rise above what locals pay.
Following heated discussions that spanned several months, South Hams District Council has resolved to press on with its contentious two-tier parking strategy.
Under the new plan, parking fees will increase across all the district’s car parks. However, residents can breathe a sigh of relief and keep a bit more change in their pockets by opting for a £5 permit that secures them a discount each time they park.
Council members have been advised that upping the charges for the first time since April 2021 will bring in much-needed revenue, as the council grapples with reconciling its accounts amid diminishing support from central government.
Yet, not everyone is onboard, with some local town councils and business groups sounding the alarm that higher charges, especially for tourists, might discourage visits to the South Hams, impacting spending in the area.
Councillor Nicky Hopwood dubbed the move a “tourism tax”, which prompted a response from council leader Julian Brazil who retorted: “They have a tourism tax on the continent, but people still go there!”
Despite opposition, the majority of council members voted in favour of implementing the new policy, while also agreeing to revisit the issue down the line to ensure the strategy is effective, reports Devon Live.
Councillor John Birch argued that finding alternative means of generating income is critical to maintain crucial local services in light of what he described as an “all-out attack” on council finances by the government.
“If we throw this out, we will be in a very difficult position,” he cautioned.
Cllr Hopwood expressed her concerns regarding the possible repercussions for local enterprises and also voiced her opinion that residents of South Hams ought to have the option to register for their discounts without incurring a £5 fee.
She labelled the proposals as “nonsensical”.
In conclusion, Cllr Brazil remarked: “It’s a small increase, and we think it’s only fair that visitors who come here and use our services should pay in some way towards those services.”