TTC Make Statement On Increased Parking Charges in Totnes…

Totnes Town Council have published a public statement in response to South Hams District Council increasing the parking charges in Totnes.

In the interest of clarity we publish it here in full, un-edited:

Cllr Emily Price, Mayor of Totnes, said: “We are disappointed that South Hams District Council (SHDC) are proceeding with their plan to substantially increase visitor and resident parking charges in Totnes despite the major objections to their proposal that were raised by Town Councils and local business groups. In our response we expressed several concerns including (but not limited to) the consultation process, the lack of economic impact assessment or an equality impact assessment of the proposals, the burden on residents of charging an administrative fee and the failure to consider accessibility issues’’

“It is clear that these concerns had little or no impact on the decisions taken by the South Hams Executive which is a matter of great regret.’’

 “Their price hike follows an especially tough time for our local businesses, which are already contending with national and global economic challenges as well as the three-month road closure in the town centre.’’

a matter of great regret

“We will follow-up SHDC’s promise to thoroughly review the impact of this decision, and we will urge them to reconsider the price hikes if the review shows that the impact has been negative. It is important that this review must include data on town centre footfall, spend in the high street, and business feedback (including any challenges around staff recruitment) in addition to car park usage.’’  

A full copy of Totnes Town Council’s objections to SHDC’s proposed parking charges can be found on page 10 of the Full Council Papers from 6 January 2025 here: https://www.totnestowncouncil.gov.uk/event/full-council-6-jan-2025/?er=WyIyMDI1LTAxLTA2IDE4OjMwOjAwIiwiMjAyNS0wMS0wNiAyMDozMDowMCJd ”