Devon parking charges to increase

North Devon Council is to charge 40p more per hour at some coastal car parks this summer.

During summer 2020, North Devon experienced high numbers of visitors when the first COVID-19 lockdown was lifted, with roads leading to coastal resorts such as Ilfracombe being blocked by cars.

The car parks that will see the introduction of new charges are the Pier, Cove, Marine Drive, and Hele car parks in Ilfracombe, as well as in Croyde and Mortehoe.

It is estimated the change could generate around £118,000 for the council.

Ken Miles, North Devon Council's chief executive, said: “It is not possible to increase capacity within car parks to try to accommodate additional usage, but measures can be introduced to try to manage demand through the use of parking charges. The aim would not be to reduce usage in car parks, but to perhaps try to alleviate the situation experienced last year.”