Bid to dramatically increase charges at popular Sidmouth car parks met with 'dismay'

East Devon District Council has proposed to raise car-parking tariffs by up to 50 per cent at 'high demand' car parks across East Devon.

This includes Temple Street car park and Blackmore Gardens car park in Sidmouth.

A meeting will be held on Wednesday 2 October to discuss whether to or not to go ahead with the increased parking charges.

Members of the Conservative Group on East Devon District Council have reacted with dismay and extreme disappointment at proposals by the Independent run administration to increase car parking charges in its most popular car parks by 50 per cent, as well as charging for evening parking - describing them as wholly inappropriate given the huge pressure on East Devon High Streets to compete with online shopping, high rents and business rates for some of them.

Leader of the East Devon Conservative Group Andrew Moulding said: "There is only so much juice you can squeeze out of a lemon and proposals by East Devon District Councils Independent administration to increase the hourly tariff by 50 per cent, as well as charging for the many car parks which are currently free to users is yet another nail in the coffin of our High Streets, where many businesses are struggling to remain viable and open.

"These proposals will inevitably deter people from using EDDC car parks to shop or use services in their local High Street and local centres, increasing 'on street' parking in areas to avoid paying to park.

"Local Chambers of Trade and Commerce have been lobbying for some time to make car parking more, not less attractive, as is the case with Ottery St Mary, where a flat £2 all day tariff is going to be offered by EDDC, which discriminates unfairly against other places in East Devon.

"The proposal to charge for evening parking at popular car parks in East Devon, which are currently free after 6.00pm, is the final straw. 

"The East Devon Conservative Group will not support what is being put forward when it comes to Full Council for approval and will urge Councillors from other Groups to reject what is detailed.

"Electors voted for change in May of 2019, not tax hikes, direct or indirect and no one can think this was the type of change they had in mind".

Sidmouth Sidford Conservative Councillor Stuart Hughes said: "It's absolutely absurd that the Independent administration at East Devon should even be contemplating hiking car park charges by up to 50 per cent.

"This could spell disaster for our town centre here in Sidmouth who's businesses rely on local residents footfall as well as visitors.

"These proposed astronomical charges along with introduction of Pay and Display in important local centres such as Temple Street could drive the final nail in the coffin for those already struggling to keep their heads above the water.

"I have already been approached by one Temple Street trader who is organising a petition and I shall be making sure theirs and our towns views on this are known at Blackdown House Honiton"

Please contact your local EDDC Councillor if you wish to discuss these proposals.