Decision

That from 1 December 2023 until 2 January 2024 the charges to park in the following car parks be amended in order for motorists to pay for an hour and park all day:-

Torquay - Lower Union Lane and Union Square

Paignton – Victoria Multi Storey

Brixham – Brixham Central up to the maximum stay, Freshwater and Oxen Cove

Reasons for the decision

The proposal supports town centre businesses to try and increase footfall into the town centre during the Christmas Season and provides an incentive for residents and visitors to spend locally in the three town centres rather than visiting the out of town shopping areas where there is the option of free parking available nearby.

Alternative options considered

The following options were considered:

·         Option 1, to operate the same promotion as held in December 2022.

·         Option 2, to extend the time for which the promotion was in operation, thereby ceasing on 2 January 2024 and coinciding with the conclusion of the Trail of Lights. 

·         Option 3, do nothing, this option was discounted given the challenges faced by town centres.