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 London Inn car park, Imperial Road car park

and Queens Drive car park in Exmouth.

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".

Exmouth Littleham Ward Councillor, Bruce de Saram said: "EDDC needs to be sensitive to the fact that people who are parking their cars are both residents and council tax payers who expect a good service.

"They should not be fleeced in this underhand manner and used as a cash cows. It's absolute madness 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 Exmouth 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 could drive the final nail in the coffin for those already struggling to keep their heads above the water.

"This is supported by the data provided by Exmouth Chamber of Commerce who state "In order to compete with online category killers our high streets need government and local authority backing in the shape of a root and branch look at parking, rates and planning"".

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