Parking Decisions Put South Hams High Streets Under Strain, Chamber Warns

The South Hams Chamber of Commerce is urging South Hams District Council to pause and reconsider its approach to parking proposals after repeated concerns about consultation, reduced access for workers and visitors, and the growing economic pressures facing towns across the district.

As the representative body for local businesses, the Chamber has a responsibility to highlight when policy decisions risk damaging economic resilience, staffing, recruitment and high-street activity. Parking access is now one of the most serious issues facing the South Hams economy, and businesses across Kingsbridge, Salcombe and Modbury are reporting significant disruption.

Businesses are struggling to operate under the current conditions

Early findings from the Chamber’s Parking and Commuting Survey show consistent problems for employers:

• Staff who previously relied on long-stay car parks have lost access to them.
• Employees who need vehicles for viewings, meetings or deliveries are finding their ability to operate reduced.
• Workers are being pushed into residential streets, creating pressure on neighbourhoods.
• Customers are finding it harder to access town centres for shopping, appointments or leisure.

One Kingsbridge employer explained:

“We used to park in Fore Street long-stay. Now it has gone, and staff are pushed into nearby estates. It’s not sustainable for us or for residents.”

A Salcombe shop owner described the year-round impact of seasonal pressures and winter boat storage:

“In summer long-stay goes to visitors; in winter it goes to boats. Staff are walking from the top of town every day.”

These operational challenges reflect a wider picture: reduced access to long-stay parking is contributing to lower footfall and shorter dwell time, with clear implications for high-street trade and local services.

Economic risks are becoming more visible

The Council’s own report states that car park usage has fallen. Based on survey responses and business feedback, the Chamber believes this reduction is also likely linked to:

• decreased footfall
• shorter dwell times
• reduced spending on the high street
• reduced use of leisure, health and community facilities

At the same time, the Council is projected to be £260,000 better off financially. The Chamber is concerned that revenue generation is being prioritised over long-term economic health, particularly at a time when high streets need stronger support, not additional barriers.

Employees have reported avoiding certain daytime jobs because they cannot afford to park. Others arrive late after circling for residential spaces, or must leave work mid-shift to move cars. These are signs of an approach that is not supporting economic activity.

Fairness and consistency across towns

Concerns about fairness are especially acute in Salcombe and Dartmouth, where charges are significantly higher than in other towns. Businesses fear that continually increasing costs, without meaningful long-stay options for workers, risks undermining the vibrancy of communities that rely heavily on seasonal trade and complex commuting patterns.

The Chamber also questions why long-standing parking permits would be renewed without reopening access for new or expanding businesses, as well as new residents. In all other areas of Council asset management, fair access is ensured through open tendering. Parking arrangements should meet the same standard of fairness and transparency.

The lived experience of residents must be taken seriously

The Council’s impact assessment lists “residents” as the primary beneficiaries of the proposed measures. However, only 3,794 residents paid the £5 fee for a discounted tariff, meaning around 85,000 residents did not participate. This indicates that a very large majority did not, or could not, benefit from the scheme.

In addition, residents have raised concerns about:

• being forced to use a payment app that shows unwanted adverts
• vulnerability to scams associated with app-based payment systems
• difficulty accessing town-centre parking for day-to-day activity

These experiences should form part of the evidence base for decision-making. At present, they do not appear to be reflected adequately.

A constructive route forward

The Chamber values its relationship with Council officers and recognises the challenging financial environment local authorities operate within. However, decisions that affect residents, businesses and employees must be informed by broad and transparent consultation and by sharing data and rationale with those who are impacted.

The Chamber stands ready to work with South Hams District Council on a parking strategy that is fair, evidence-led and economically sustainable. The Parking and Commuting Survey remains live, and the Chamber is prepared to share anonymised results with Councillors and officers.

Call to action

South Hams District Council must pause, listen and consult properly before progressing further. Parking strategy should support, not damage, the towns it serves.

Decisions of this scale must not be made about our communities without speaking directly to our communities.