Torridge resident raises concerns over car park price hikes

A Torridge resident has raised concerns about what he believes to be a significant rise in the cost of resident parking permits for 2025. 

Paul Foulkes, who lives in Appledore, was shocked to discover that the cost of renewing his Churchfield car park permit had risen by 300 per cent.

For the past two years, Mr Foulkes had been paying £100 annually for a resident’s permit that allowed free parking during certain hours. 

However, when he went to renew his permit this year, he said he was told that this type of permit no longer existed. 

To obtain a permit with similar benefits, he was told he would now need to pay over £330.

Mr Foulkes described the price increase as “a rise of 300 per cent – I think this is slightly above the rate of inflation!” 

He believes this price hike applies to all permits issued by Torridge District Council.

The council explained that the increase in fees was part of its annual review of parking permits, which was conducted as part of the budget-setting process. 

A council spokesperson said: “As part of its annual budget setting process the council conducted an overview of its parking permits. The council offers a range of permits to provide off-street parking in car parks, including season permits, business permits, T-business permits, resident permits, reserved bay permits and tourist permits. Each permit is designed to provide the customer with the service/product that best serves their needs.”

The council further clarified that changes had been made to the residents’ parking scheme in Appledore and Westward Ho!, which is now strictly for full-time residential use only. 

There are now four residents’ parking schemes available, which can be purchased for the winter season from November 1 to March 13. 

The winter season permits are valid from 4pm to 10am, Monday to Saturday, and all day on Sunday. 

Prices for these permits range from £37.61 for a permit valid from 4pm to 10am, to £128.49 for an all-day permit valid Monday to Sunday.

The spokesperson also added: “Those who have properties that are used for Airbnb/holiday lets or rentals/second homes are advised to obtain a business permit. The revisions to the scheme have been designed to balance the needs of local residents, whilst meeting the parking demand that is generated and beneficial to local businesses throughout the summer period.”