Seaton is to trial year-long free parking for coaches in a bid to boost tourism.
East Devon District Council (EDDC) yesterday (Wednesday) agreed to offer free coach parking for a 12-month trial in the Seaton Jurassic car park.
EDDC’s cabinet heard how the Seaton ward member formally requested the authority’s help in branding Seaton as a coach-friendly town.
Arguments for free daily coach parking included a beyond-repair pay-and-display ticket machine in the coach park and coach parking revenue during June and July falling below £100.
The free trial aims to gauge if the offer results in increased coach visits to the town.
Andrew Ennis, EDDC service lead, said: “The ward member for Seaton has formally requested that we assist the town council in branding Seaton as a coach friendly town.
“Free daily coach parking has been requested.
“By coincidence the pay and display ticket machine in this coach park is faulty beyond repair and requires replacement. coach drivers are therefore currently expected to pay using the Park Mobile app.
“During June and July our coach parking revenue here was less than £100 so the risks associated with responding favourably to this request are minimal.”
Cllr Jack Rowland said: “This will go some way to attracting in more coach trips to the town.”
