ANYONE using car parks operated by Mid Devon District Council should be aware that they will see charges increase dramatically on June 27.

The increases follow significant council debate and public representation.

New charges were initially due to be brought into effect in March, but following concerns raised by businesses and residents, the new Liberal Democrat controlled council decided to revisit the proposed increase in fees.

Now, following the review of the fees, a new set of charges have been agreed by the Council’s Cabinet and will come into effect on June 27.

Luke Taylor, Leader of Mid Devon District Council (LibDem), said: "We understand that an increase in parking charges may disappoint residents and businesses across Mid Devon but I am pleased that we have gone some way to address the concerns raised by the community, which are reflected in these new charges.”

The new charges will see annual day/night off-street parking permits rise from £400 to £460 with allocated space permit increased from £425 to £460 and overnight permits increased from £100 to £150.

Half yearly, quarterly and monthly payment options are now available for overnight permits, with the Council committing to exploring the ability to introduce a monthly payment option for annual day/night permits as well.

The Council has agreed to have standard charges across all Mid Devon towns and this will mean a two-hour charging period has risen to £2.70 (from a typical current rate of £1.80 in Crediton and Cullompton and £2.20 in Tiverton). Charges in Tiverton’s multi-storey car park will increase from £3 to £4 for a five-hour parking period.

Other charges in the Crediton High Street car park (St Saviour’s Way), Monday to Saturday are: Up to five hours £2.50 to £4, Up to 10 hours £3 to £6, Up to 24 hours £5 to £12.

Sunday and Bank Holidays 8am to 6pm Up to 10 hours £1 to £2.  Overnight 6pm to 8am Up to 14 hours £1 to £2, Up to 30 minutes free.

Market Street, Crediton, Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm Up to one hour £1.25 to £1.50, Up to two hours, £2.20 to £2.70, Sundays and Bank Holidays 8am, to 6pm Up to 10 hours £1 to £2, Overnight 6pm to 8am Up to 30 minutes free remains, Up to 14 hours from £1 to £2.

Cllr Taylor added: “Any increase in fees, especially in the current cost of living crisis, is not something we take on lightly, but against a back drop of funding cuts and rising costs we have a responsibility to maintain the Council's financial viability.

“This new administration is also committed to exploring more car parking options in the future, which support our businesses and residents, as well as the Council’s sustainability goals.”

MDDC says that during the past three years regular parking charges in Mid Devon have been static, while annual parking permits have not risen since 2017.

During this time it adds that inflation has risen sharply and material costs have escalated.

Despite the new tariffs the Council says it is confident parking charges in Mid Devon will remain some of the lowest in the county.

Full details of the charges can be found at: https://www.middevon.gov.uk/media/354901/notice-of-variation-off-street-parking-charges.pdf .