A new two-tier parking system introduced by the council means tourists visiting South Devon will have to pay more for parking than locals.
There has been outrage in the UK’s most expensive seaside town, with residents fearing that the new charges could “kill tourism.”
South Hams Council says the increase in parking fees—the first rise since April 2021—will help boost its funds. Local residents will be able to buy a £5 permit, giving them discounted parking rates.
However, not everyone is happy. Town councils and business groups have warned that making visitors pay more could put people off coming to the area.
The decision comes a year after Salcombe was named the UK’s priciest seaside town, with the average house price surpassing £1.2 million in 2022, according to Halifax.
Councillor Nicky Hopwood has slammed the plan, calling it a “tourism tax.” In response, council leader Julian Brazil defended the decision, saying: “They have a tourism tax on the continent, but people still go there!”
Cllr Hopwood also raised concerns about the impact on local businesses and criticised the idea that residents should have to pay even £5 for a discount, calling it “nonsensical.”
Jenni Richardson told DevonLive: “Charge tourists, but only those from overseas—like they do in Spain. Don’t make British people pay extra to use facilities in their own country.”
“Parking is already way too expensive. A lot of people will stop visiting anyway because prices in Devon are getting ridiculous. The council should look elsewhere for money,” she added.
Jayne Hyde agreed, saying: “This will ruin tourism, and seaside towns depend on holidaymakers!”
Fellow resident Maureen Crook was also frustrated, saying: “I don’t understand why this is happening. It’s wrong. Parking charges are too high, the town centre is a mess, and we’re losing regular visitors.”
Many locals now fear that the new charges could drive people away, making it harder for businesses to survive in one of the UK’s most popular holiday spots.
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As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
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