Parking Price Hikes in Devon: A Growing Burden for Businesses and Employees Alike
The serene landscapes of South Devon are masking a brewing storm—one fueled by skyrocketing parking fees that are putting local businesses and their employees in a financial bind. But here's where it gets controversial: while the South Hams District Council defends its decision to raise parking charges, small business owners argue that the move is stifling recruitment, retention, and even profitability. Could this be a case of short-term gains leading to long-term losses for the region’s economy?
As of 27 December 2025, the once-frozen parking charges in South Devon have thawed, leaving small businesses in towns like Kingsbridge, Salcombe, and Modbury grappling with the fallout. For many, the solution has been to absorb the costs for their staff, a gesture that, while noble, is unsustainable in the long run. And this is the part most people miss: the ripple effects of these price hikes extend beyond the parking lot, influencing where people choose to work and even live.
Take Nikki Povey, managing director at Charles Head estate agents in Kingsbridge, who bluntly states, “I’m picking up staff parking costs because they simply can’t afford it.” She highlights how residential streets are now overrun with cars, as employees seek free parking alternatives. “Both clients and staff are unhappy with the current charges,” Povey adds, questioning whether the council’s strategy is even generating more revenue, given the noticeable decline in car park usage.
Tonya McGauley, sales manager at Salcombe Gin, echoes this sentiment. Her company is also subsidizing parking costs for employees, a trend that’s becoming increasingly common. “People are aware of how difficult and expensive parking is here,” McGauley explains. “When job seekers see that they can find similar roles in more accessible locations like Kingsbridge, it shrinks our talent pool.”
In Modbury, the story is no different. Madison Oman, an employee at Modbury Pharmacy, reveals that her colleagues avoid car parks altogether due to the £7.50 daily fee. “We park on residential roads instead,” she says, adding that an employee permit with discounted rates, similar to the resident scheme, would be a game-changer. “It would help all of us tremendously,” Oman emphasizes.
But here’s the kicker: while residents enjoy discounted parking through a £5 annual scheme, businesses are left to fend for themselves. Samantha Dennis, chair of the South Hams Chamber and a district councillor, criticizes the council’s lack of consultation with businesses during their recent review of parking permits. “Nobody has spoken to these businesses,” Dennis laments, “and there are good solutions out there, but nobody is listening.”
Councillor Julian Brazil, however, defends the council’s approach, stating, “We’ve kept parking charges frozen for residents, and the main issue is space availability, not cost.” He points to changes in permit use in Dartmouth and Salcombe as steps to address this. Yet, Brazil acknowledges the challenges, promising further reviews to support businesses during tough times.
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Is the South Hams District Council’s focus on resident discounts and space availability overlooking the broader economic impact on local businesses? And if so, what innovative solutions could bridge this gap without penalizing either group? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation that could drive real change.
