Rebellion over 50% parking price hike

Price increases of up to 50% for on-street car parking are being challenged

Plans to increase parking charges across Devon by up to 50% are being challenged.

The Liberal Democrat cabinet member for highways at Devon County Council, Dan Thomas, signed off the decision in September to increase on-street charges.

But now six Liberal Democrat councillors have banded together to challenge the decision, questioning the need for price hikes "when traders are struggling and businesses are closing".

The decision is due to be be reviewed and discussed by the corporate, infrastructure and regulatory services scrutiny committee on Wednesday.

The price increases relate to on-street parking, which is managed by Devon County Council; with off-street parking controlled by city and district councils.

The maximum 50% hikes are being proposed in parts of Ilfracombe and parts of Totnes, with increases in areas of Exeter of up to 49%.

The two-hour fee in the summer in Portland Street, St James Place and Wilder Road in Ilfracombe, for example, is due to go up from £2 to £3.

The county council said it had not reviewed the charges since September 2022 and it needed to ensure on-street parking charges were higher than off-street parking "to encourage the use of car parks and reduce traffic circulating the highway network looking for a space".

Cost increase 'counterproductive'

Six Liberal Democrat councillors from across the county - Rosie Dawson, Dawlish; Caroline Leaver, Barnstaple South; Alan Connett, Exminster and Haldon; Ed Tyldesley, Chulmleigh and Landkey; David Cox, Teignmouth; and Syed Jusef, Barnstaple North - have called the decision in.

They said: "At a time when traders are struggling and businesses are closing, increasing the cost of visiting areas to contribute to the local economy seems counterproductive.

"Increases may be necessary, but it is felt these can be fairer, more considerate of local needs and not as substantial in one hit."