Salcombe Council Plans Tourist Parking Tax

Salcombe, a popular seaside town in Devon known as 'Chelsea-on-Sea', is facing backlash from local businesses over a proposed tourist parking tax that would charge visitors £10 for a day's parking, compared to £8 for residents. This is the first parking fee increase in four years, and the council is set to implement it from April 1, 2025. Local business owners, including Jude Macintosh from The Ship In Dock Inn, argue that the higher costs will deter tourists and harm the economy, as parking has always been a significant issue in the area. Wendy Jones, owner of Dartmouth Launderette, echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the financial burden of expensive parking and park-and-ride services already discourages visitors. There is also skepticism about how the council will enforce the resident discount, as business owners question the practicality of distinguishing between local and tourist vehicles. Despite the council's intentions to manage visitor influx, the community fears the tax could have unintended negative consequences on local commerce.