SIX Liberal Democrat councillors have collaborated on a bid to challenge a decision by their own cabinet member that could allow parking fee hikes of up to 50 per cent.

The recent decision means that on-street parking charges would be allowed to rise by as much as half again on high streets across Devon. District council-run car parks will not be affected.

Although the maximum 50 per cent hikes are only being proposed in parts of Ilfracombe and parts of Totnes according to documents available on the council’s website, the six councillors have raised concerns about it.

Rises in some parts of Exeter could mean hikes of between 40 per cent and 48 per cent.

On-street parking charges have not been reviewed since 2022 by Devon County Council, and part of the rationale for reassessing them is to make sure that tariffs for stays of more than an hour are “at least equal or higher than equivalent off-street tariffs to encourage parking in longer stay car parks, reducing the recirculation of traffic, minimising traffic congestion and improving air quality”.

But six councillors from across the county – Rosie Dawson (Dawlish), Caroline Leaver (Barnstaple South), Alan Connett (Exminster and Haldon), Ed Tyldesley (Chulmleigh and Landkey), David Cox (Teignmouth), and Syed Jusef (Barnstaple North) – have called the decision in.

That means it will be scrutinised by the corporate, infrastructure and regulatory services scrutiny committee.

“At a time when traders are struggling and businesses are closing, increasing the cost of visiting areas to contribute to the local economy seems counterproductive,” the group states.

“Increases may be necessary, but it is felt these can be fairer, more considerate of local needs and not as substantial in one hit.”