South Hams Council in South Devon has not increased its car parking fees since 2021, but a recent report suggests that this may change soon. The council has been keeping the parking prices fixed for residents and visitors for over four years, but due to inflation and increased costs, they are considering a fee increase.
According to the report, the council estimates that it has lost nearly £1 million by maintaining low charges. In light of the current cost-of-living crisis and economic challenges, the council has absorbed these increases and not passed them on to service users. However, they may not be able to continue doing so.
A comparison of parking charges across the south west region reveals that the parking fees in South Hams are considerably lower than in other similar areas. The proposed fee increases will also include a discount scheme for permanent local residents. Main shopping area car parks will be categorized as either ‘premium’ or ‘standard’, with prices adjusted accordingly. The fees will be reviewed annually to align with inflation.
Consultations will be conducted in the major towns affected by these changes, such as Totnes, Dartmouth, Kingsbridge, and Ivybridge. The aim is to gather feedback from residents and visitors before implementing the new fee structure.
In addition to the proposed fee increases, the council plans to introduce a discount scheme for local residents to help mitigate the impact of the changes. This scheme is aimed at providing some relief to those who regularly use the car parks in the area.
The decision to potentially increase car parking fees comes as the council grapples with the financial implications of maintaining low charges for an extended period. By adjusting the fees to reflect the current economic conditions and cost of living, the council hopes to ensure the sustainability of its parking services while continuing to provide a valuable service to residents and visitors alike.