Park and ride fare 'compromise' reached

Proposals for park and ride fares in Dartmouth will be set out in a 21-day public consultation

Fares for a park and ride serving a tourist hotspot in Devon will not rise by as much as originally planned.

South Hams District Council had proposed doubling the all-day return ticket at Dartmouth's park and ride on Townstal Road from £5 to £10.

However, the council said it now plans to raise the cost to £7.50 after speaking to "local partners".

The proposals, described as a "compromise", will go out on a public 21-day consultation.

New proposals outlined

Along with the fare increase, the first in 14 years, the council said a range of permits will be available, including a new worker permit costing £57 per month.

The fee for coach parking at the park and ride would rise from £5 to £10 under the plans, which the council said it hoped would "manage costs while continuing to promote tourism within the town".

The service runs during the summer from 25 May until 15 September, but the proposals include running buses over the Easter holidays and big events in the town such as Dartmouth Music Festival, Regatta and Food Festival.

Outside of the peak period, Stagecoach's 92 service will stop at the park and ride.

The council said it was also looking at potentially bringing in a residents’ permit and a combined Lower Ferry and Park and Ride pass.

'Fair compromise'

Victor Abbott, the council's executive member for community services and operations, said the park and ride costs a lot of money to run and the authority has not raised prices for 14 years.

He said it was important for the council to get the thoughts of other local groups, but it expects some losses to remain "but not go entirely."

Cathy Campos, Dartmouth deputy mayor and a Dartmouth Town Councillor, said the Town Council was "very relieved" to be able to work with the District Council on the proposals.

She said: "We feel the new proposals are a fair compromise and support them."

Jo Hinde and Laura Campbell, co-chairs of the Dartmouth and District Chamber of Commerce, said being able to discuss the plans with the council was very beneficial.

"This was a great collaborative process which will help to shape the service to achieve South Ham District Council’s objectives while continuing to meet the town’s needs," a statement from the duo said.