Parking proposals will see prices increase from £1 to £6 for three hours

South Hams District Council is putting parking price increases out for consultation, with one of the biggest price jumps being in Kingsbridge. 

Fore Street car park in Kingsbridge has the biggest jump in price, with three hours going from £1 to £6 or £5 with the proposed residents discount scheme.

Fore Street car park in Kingsbridge currently has a tariff of 50p for 30 minutes, £1 for three hours, £3 for four hours and £7 for all day. The proposed increased will see the tariff increase to £1 for 30 minutes, £2.50 for one hour, £4 for two hours, £6 for three hours, £7 for four hours and no option for all day. These prices with the proposed residents discount, becomes 90p for 30 minutes, £1.70 for one hour, £3.30 for two hours, £5 for three hours and £6 for four hours. 

You can see all the proposed tariffs on the South Hams District Council website: Have Your Say Today - South Hams Off Street Parking Proposals - Commonplace.

Wayne Grills, Pizza Planet owner in Kingsbridge, said: "It is evident that the now Liberal Democrat–run District Council harbours a longstanding dislike for tourists, which the party have demonstrated over many years.

"Imposing these changes will also affect businesses, particularly those reliant on car parks for their daily operations. In the last reported financial year, the council made a £1.7 million profit from car parking across the district. 

"This behaviour feels like a personal vendetta against a key sector of the local economy, and it appears entirely counterintuitive. Coupled with the council’s complete failure to support house-building in the area, it seems impossible to believe that they genuinely desire economic prosperity here."

South Hams District Council has said that "after four years of frozen car park prices to support residents and businesses throughout the cost-of-living crisis, the council can no longer afford the significant rising costs of delivering services". Therefore, they are "regrettably considering increasing charges from 1 April 2025".

According to South Hams District Council, they checked car parks in similar locations across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset to compare their current charges and their proposed new charges. Following this review of charges across the South West, it is clear that car parking charges in the South Hams are lower than most.

Residents of the South Hams would be able to apply for membership of a new Resident Discounts Scheme. This will allow them to access lower parking charges at all their council-owned car parks via the cashless parking app. Those who don't have a smartphone will receive an extra half hour parking time instead.

You can find out more and add your views on the SHDC website: https://offstreetparkingcharges.commonplace.is/