Holidaymakers will pay more than locals as UK hotspot introduces two-tier system
Holidaymakers will pay more than locals as UK hotspot introduces two-tier system
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Tourists visiting one of the UK's most popular holiday counties will soon fork out more than locals for everyday expenses. After months of heated discussions, South Hams Council has finally decided to implement a two-tier parking strategy. That means visitors to South Devon destinations such as Salcombe and Dartmouth will now be paying significantly more for their visits.
Parking charges will increase across all district car parks, but local residents can apply for a £5 permit that offers them a discount each time they park. Councillors were informed that increasing fees for the first time since April 2021 would generate much-needed revenue for the council as it struggles to balance its budget amidst decreasing support from the central government.
However, some town councils and business groups have cautioned that higher fees and charging tourists more than locals could deter people from visiting and spending money in the South Hams. Cllr Nicky Hopwood (Con, Woolwell) labelled it a 'tourism tax', to which council leader Julian Brazil (Lib Dem, Stokenham) retorted: "They have a tourism tax on the continent, but people still go there! " The majority of members voted in favour of the new system, stating it would be reviewed at a later date to ensure its effectiveness.
Cllr John Birch (Lib Dem, Totnes ) argued that the council needed to find ways to raise funds to cover essential services amidst an 'all-out attack' on its finances by the government. "If we throw this out, we will be in a very difficult position," he warned.
