Visitors wanting to stay for more than four hours in a Newton Abbot car park had better be carrying plenty of spare change after Teignbridge Council announced the charge is rising to £10. Drivers using the Newfoundland Way car park, situated next to the magistrates' court and close to the town centre, have previously had to fork out just £3.50 for the privilege. But now the authority, which is extending the car park, has said it wants to discourage drivers from using it for anything other than short trips into town. Spokesman Michelle Kenney said: 'The town centre refurbishment has created an opportunity for Teignbridge to consider its car park strategy for the town and the changes made should help to ensure we get the best use for the benefits of all users, local customers and visitors alike. 'When Newfoundland Way is completed we want to encourage its use mainly as a town centre short stay car park, providing maximum benefit to town centre shoppers with knock-on positive benefits for local traders and businesses. 'The higher tariff is in place, therefore, to deter those who might wish to park for longer, and who now have the option of parking in the new purpose-built long-stay car parks at Wolborough Way and Venture Court, for example.' Parking charges elsewhere across the district are also set to rise from tomorrow and new 'zonal' parking to discourage long-term parking in town centres is to be phased in. The council has said it would welcome comments on its car park strategy and can be contacted on 01626 215859.
