Tourist tax at popular UK seaside spot sparks major backlash as bookings plummet
- UK Hidden Gems
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Local businesses are speaking out about a new parking plan that would make tourists pay more to park in South Hams.
The idea of a ‘tourist tax’ on parking in popular holiday spots is causing concern, with some businesses saying it could do more harm than good.
The plan, which is still being discussed, would mean tourists pay higher parking fees in South Hams car parks. Business owners are worried it might put visitors off coming to towns like Salcombe, which is sometimes called Chelsea-on-Sea because of its fancy seaside feel.
The council says it wants to raise parking prices for the first time in four years because of rising costs. At the moment, it costs £6.50 for a full day in the Salcombe Creek car park.
Under the new plan, tourists would pay £10, while locals would pay £8. Residents would get a discount, so they’d pay less than visitors. Jude Macintosh, who runs The Ship In Dock Inn, said parking in Salcombe and Dartmouth is always tricky, and making it more expensive won’t help bring guests in.
She said: “Parking in Dartmouth and Salcombe is already hard, and it does stop people from coming. I don’t get why locals pay less. As far as I know, in Mayor’s Avenue, everyone should pay the same.”
She added: “Our bookings are down by a third now that we’ve stopped offering parking permits. We had to stop because it was too expensive for us. The council isn’t doing anything with parking to encourage people to visit.”
“Most of our guests are older, and they don’t just hop on a bus. If parking’s tricky, it puts them off coming.”
A 64-year-old business owner in Salcombe also said parking is a big problem and believes the new prices will definitely stop people from visiting. He said: “Lots of people come here to rent holiday homes, but things are changing – it’s really quiet at the moment.”
“Wouldn’t it be nice if people could just park without having to pay extra? Parking like this doesn’t help the local community at all.”
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