MOTORISTS using Okehampton's Simmons Park Car Park will have to pay more from this April.
Fees at the town council-owned car park will increase by 10p for a short stay, meaning 30 minutes will now cost 30p. The fee for an hour goes up from 40p to 50p and two hours from 60p to 70p.
Those who wish to use the car park for four hours will see a rise from £1.60 to £1.80 and a 24-hour stay will cost £3.
A season ticket for three months goes up from £35 to £40 and a six-month ticket will increase from £70 to £75. The cost of a year-long season ticket has risen from £140 to £150.
Cllr Charles Letchford, chair of the council's finance committee, said: 'The prices for Simmons Park Car Park have stayed the same for the last four years.
'By increasing the charge it means we can maintain the council tax precept for Okehampton town so it stays at the same level as last year.'
Cllr Letchford said the car park was still the cheapest in the town: 'We don't charge in the evenings after 6pm and the car park is free right through from Saturday lunchtimes to 8am on Mondays.
Regular users of the car park appear who spoke to the Times were not worried about the increase.
Tina Lopwell, from Hatherleigh, said: 'I have been using the car park for many years and have always been pleased with the service.
'The cost will not be going up too much and with the way parking is in Okehampton, I am just happy to be able to leave my car somewhere and not get a ticket.'
Mr Richards of Winkleigh was of the same opinion.
'The fact that it is free for most of the weekend is fantastic, there aren't many who offer that service.
'I am not worried about a slight increase and will still be using the car park,' he said.