South Hams parking charges may have to rise

A Devon council which has always charged less than its neighbours for car parking may have to increase its fees.

South Hams Council hasn’t put them up since 2021, but a new report says it might finally have to do so.

A report for next week’s council executive committee says the authority has consciously kept parking prices fixed for residents and visitors for more than four years, but inflation has gone up, coupled with increased costs.

The council estimates it has lost out on almost £1 million by keeping charges low.

The report goes on: “In recognition of the cost-of-living crisis and challenging economic environment, the council has continued to absorb these increases and has not passed on those costs to service users, but is not able to continue to do so.”

A review of charges across the south west shows that parking charges in the South Hams are significantly lower than almost all comparable areas. The increases will come hand-in-hand with a discount scheme for permanent local residents.

Some car parks serving main shopping areas will be designated as ‘premium’, while less busy ones will be ‘standard’. Prices would be set accordingly, and will be increased annually in line with inflation.

Consultations will be carried out in the main towns affected, including Totnes, Dartmouth, Kingsbridge and Ivybridge.