Car parking fees due to rise in north Devon towns

A proposal to increase charges at the Sheep Pen car park in South Molton was rejected

North Devon Council has announced an increase in car parking fees to generate an additional £350,000 in revenue.

The strategy and resources committee approved a 10p rise, bringing the cost to £1.40 for an hour-long stay in town centre car parks and £1.60 in coastal car parks.

Long-stay fees will also increase from 60p to 70p per hour, with the all-day charge rising from £2.50 to £3.50.

Annual permits will see a hike from £225 to £300, other than for the new Seven Brethren car park in Barnstaple, which remains at £225 to encourage use.

A proposal to increase charges at the Sheep Pen car park in South Molton by £11.50 for all-day parking was rejected.

The car park will maintain lower fees of 70p per hour and £3.50 per day after concerns were raised that higher charges would lead to an empty car park and loss of revenue.

The new charges are expected to take effect from 1 April.