A parking tax aimed at tourists is planned for a seaside town in Devon which locals worry will impact the area’s economy.
The town of Salcombe, known as Chelsea-on-Sea, is popular with tourists due to its much loved beaches.
It is a destination for those seeking unique shopping experiences, cosy cafes, all set against the backdrop of a stunning beach and striking seaside landmarks – tourists love it there.
Businesses in Salcombe warned the proposal to charge tourists more than locals to park in their town could be “detrimental” to the area’s economy.
The council plans to raise the charge for a full day at Salcombe Creek car park from £6.50 to £10 for visitors, and £8 for locals.
This is the first time in four years that parking prices are to be raised.
Jude Macintosh, manager of the Ship in Dock Inn, said parking in Salcombe and nearby Dartmouth was a “constant headache” and raising prices wouldn’t attract guests.
She told The Telegraph: “Dartmouth and Salcombe is particularly challenging on parking and yes it does have a knock-on effect with people coming.
“Our bookings have gone down by a third because now we don’t provide permits. We took it away because we can’t afford to carry that cost.
“The councils are just trying to keep people away because they are not doing anything – as in parking – to entice them.”
While the new tax might help to solve some parking problems, locals worry it will cause new issues.
Roger Savin, 81, owner of the Little Elbow Room in Totnes, said he had customers from all over the country and the world.
He wondered how the council would police the discount for residents.
He asked: “How are they going to know if the car is not local? It can have a car plate from London but the person being from here.”
A local council spokeperson said it was “regretfully considering” increasing charges from April 1, 2025, adding: “We checked car parks in similar locations across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset to compare our current charges and our 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.”
He said the residents’ discount would be applied to “all our council-owned car parks via the cashless parking app”, adding: “Those who don’t have a smartphone will receive an extra half hour parking time instead.”
A final decision should be made in January following the consultation period.
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