The beach car parks at beauty spots in the South Hams are set to reopen this weekend.
South Hams District Council initially closed the council run car parks at North Sands, Slapton and Bigbury in response to the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown, but the new Government guidance issued now says that you can now ‘drive to outdoor open spaces, including beaches and beauty spots’.
As a result, the council has taken the decision to reopen the car parks, and they plan to have the public toilets reopened by the May Bank Holiday weekend as well.
And to help the public visit beaches safely, South Hams District Council are strongly advising users to download and pay using the RingGo app whenever possible to minimise the risk of the spread of Covid-19.
Cllr Keith Baldry, executive portfolio holder for the environment, said: “Now residents are allowed to travel, it is only natural that they will want to come to the beach.
“Our main concern is for the safety of car park users, the local communities and our staff. We are encouraging everyone who does come to the beach to use the RingGo app, which enables cashless parking payment via a mobile phone.
It will take us a little longer to open public toilets. We plan to reopen toilets at North Sands, Bigbury and Slapton in time for the next May Bank Holiday.’
“So far the virus rates have been low in this region compared to other areas and the Council wish to help to maintain this and protect its vulnerable communities.”
“With this in mind we repeat the Government’s clarification that ‘leaving your home – the place you live – to stay at another home for a holiday or other purpose is not allowed. This includes visiting second homes.’”
RingGo codes for each car park have been published, and where phone signal is limited, you can set up your RingGo payment before arrival.
The codes are:
Bigbury: 3476
Torcross Layby: 3469
Torcross Tank: 3490
Strete Gate: 3485
North Sands: 3489
If it is not possible to pay via RingGo, the pay and display machines can be used but users are asked to abide by social distancing and use the machines responsibly.