Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce has launched a petition to cap increases in car parking charges in the town to £1.20 per hour.

In January, a 50 per cent rise to £1.50 per hour was agreed by East Devon District Council for 'prime locations'. This includes Sidmouth's Roxburgh, Manor Road, Mill Street and Manor Pavilion car parks.

The council then decided to double fees to £2 per hour for Sidmouth's Ham (East and West) car parks and 'tourist hotspots' in East Devon.

The changes will take effect from April.

The increases, the first of their kind in the district for almost 12 years, are designed to increase revenue needed for council services.

Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce's petition, launched on Wednesday 16 February, seeks to cap the rise at £1.20 per hour instead.

A spokesperson said: "Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce has always campaigned to keep parking charges reasonable in our town. This has always been widely supported within our community.

"Any increase is unwelcome, but last year EDDC decided that the charge of £1 per hour in the summer should be increased to £1.20 per hour. They announced the increase would be introduced in April 2022. This was confirmed by Cabinet and Full Council.

"Suddenly, and only weeks ago, they decided, without consultation, to increase the charge to £1.50 per hour. Then, remarkably, they increased it again to £2.00 per hour. And to be introduced in April this year. A 100% increase!

"EDDC did not express any concern for the impact upon residents who shop in our town centres, or for the beleaguered traders, who have suffered a lot recently and did so much to support their customers during the pandemic.

"We think that £1.20 is a big enough increase and a fair charge. EDDC should honour the commitment that they made to residents, to our visitors, and to the businesses that they claim to support."

Click here to access the petition online. Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce Members will also reportedly be in town today (Saturday 19 February) collecting signatures.

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