Proposals aimed at making car parking prices ‘fairer’ across East Devon will go before members next week.
East Devon District Council’s (EDDC) cabinet will meet on Wednesday (September 5) to discuss the recommendations, following an eight-week consultation in which it received 869 questionnaires.
As part of the plans, Sidford’s Church Street and Ottery’s Canaan Way car parks would be brought into line with the council’s inland long stay tariff of £1 per hour and £3 for 24 hours a day, Monday to Saturday.
The report said: “We gave members a warning as long ago as 2013 that we would review these tariffs and with current budgetary pressures and in at least one case massive over demand and under supply of parking availability, the time is now right for a review.”
The council will also look to offer up to 15 car parking spaces for rent to residents for the cost of £300 a year at Church Street car park, Sidford.
It will also designate an additional eight car parking spaces in Temple Street car park, in Sidmouth, for reserved car parking and change the rental charges for reserved spaces at £300 per space, per year.
Councillor Geoff Pook, EDDC portfolio holder for asset management, said: “The council has listened carefully to what has been said during the public consultation and the cabinet report recommendations reflect the view of the respondents.
“The report explains the proposals to simplify our car parking offer, making both car parking tariffs and car parking permits fairer throughout the district, whilst continuing to recognise the different needs and demands of residents and visitors.”
The report recommends car parking charges in 41 of its 46 pay and display car parks stay the same for the eighth consecutive year.
The council will discontinue its All-East Devon, economy, town/area and resident car parking permits for a range of single area permits for £100 for 2019/20. Motorists will be able to add additional town or villages for £20 each.
The price will be capped at £200 per year for an ‘all car parks’ permit.
The plans do not plan to change the current two-, three-, four- or seven-day explorer tickets.
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