We want our town centre to recover and thrive.

Please sign our petition to limit the increase to £1.20 per hour.

Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce has always campaigned to keep parking charges reasonable in our town.  This has always been widely supported within our community.

Any increase is unwelcome, but last year EDDC decided that the charge of £1 per hour in the summer should be increased to £1.20 per hour.  They announced the increase would be introduced in April 2022. This was confirmed by Cabinet and Full Council.

Suddenly, and only weeks to ago, they decided, without consultation, to increase the charge to £1.50 per hour.  Then, remarkably, they increased it again to £2.00 per hour.  And to be introduced in April this year.  A 100% increase!

EDDC did not express any concern for the impact upon residents who shop in our town centres, or for the beleaguered traders, who have suffered a lot recently and did so much to support their customers during the pandemic.

We think that £1.20 is a big enough increase and a fair charge. EDDC should honour the commitment that they made to residents, to our visitors, and to the businesses that they claim to support.

Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce