As part of our ongoing response to Coronavirus and the government guidance on social distancing, car parks in the area are being rationalised.

Because people are being advised to stay at home and save lives to help reduce the spread of the virus, and to only leave their homes for essential journeys, a number of car parks will temporarily close.

Changes to car parks

• Beach car parks at Broadsands and Goodrington have closed as of Friday 27 March to discourage unnecessary travel and gatherings
• Lower Union Lane has closed as of Saturday 28 March until further notice
• Victoria Centre (Paignton) and Union Square (Torquay) car parks will stay open as normal with lifts functioning (these both serve food retailers)
• Annual car parking permits will still be valid for all car parks that remain open (permits apply to all car parks in Torbay, not just the one you usually use)
• As per last week’s announcement, in line with government guidance, those key workers who work or volunteer for the NHS and social care to support our most vulnerable residents will get free parking in council operated parking areas but will need to display relevant paperwork on their dashboard. Please note this only applies if these workers are on duty, and only to those working or volunteering in health or social care – not all key workers. You can find out more on the GOV.UK website and the British Parking Association website.

Councillor Mike Morey, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Environment and Culture for Torbay Council, said: “We want to do all we can to help prevent Coronavirus spreading so as part of our efforts to encourage people to stay at home where possible and promote social distancing, we are rationalising our car parks so that only those needed for essential use remain open during this period.”