Overview
- South Hams District Council implemented a two-tier parking fee system in May 2025, charging tourists up to £10 daily, while locals pay £8 per day with an annual permit costing £5.
- Local business owners, including café owner Beck Gordon, report a decline in day-trippers, with some attributing a quieter Easter holiday to the new parking charges.
- Workers in Salcombe face significant financial strain, with some spending over £100 weekly on parking or opting to risk fines, which they find cheaper than official fees.
- The council defends the policy as a necessary measure to address revenue shortfalls after a four-year freeze on parking fees, citing the need for all beneficiaries of public services to contribute.
- With approximately 60% of properties in Salcombe owned as second homes, the town remains heavily reliant on tourism, raising concerns about the long-term impact of the parking scheme on visitor numbers.