Fury as popular seaside resorts face parking charges people say will 'kill businesses'
Vale of Glamorgan Council confirmed it will be pressing ahead with plans to scrap two hours of free parking at on-street parking bays in Barry Island and Penarth
(Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne )
Wales Online readers are outraged at new proposals to end free parking at two Welsh coastal spots. The Vale of Glamorgan Council faced a backlash from local businesses in March when it announced plans to reconsider free parking at Barry Island and Penarth seafront.
The council's cabinet members resolved on Thursday, July 3, to move forward with the scheme, saying increased revenue would safeguard the region's seaside attractions and boost visitor numbers. Additionally, the decision includes shutting down Court Road multi-storey car park in Barry, as initially intended.
Cllr Mark Wilson, the Vale of Glamorgan Council's cabinet member for neighbourhood and building services, commented: "These are very popular resorts. We want to encourage people to visit those resorts. We don't want them to go... around in circles [trying to] find a space."
Cllr Wilson also mentioned the council's goal to alleviate traffic congestion in both Barry Island and Penarth, which would contribute to better air quality.
Nonetheless, there is concern among traders about the potential downturn during the winter months, a period when they typically depend on local visitors. The Vale of Glamorgan Council has committed to reassessing the parking fees at on-street locations in Barry Island and Penarth in two years.
Commenter NoFoolJule believes: 'This will kill businesses on the front.'
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Flowers5 agrees: 'There is no way I am paying a £2.50 tax to pick up fish and chips. I will go somewhere else or do without! That is custom lost to the chip shop!'
Rfrom points out: 'The public moan when you have to pay for a car park, then they moan when there is no space in free car parks. The public moan regardless.'
Yeknom laref says: 'This will just encourage people to park in disabled spaces without a blue badge. I hope they strictly police these spaces and fine people who park without badges.'
Burniehd scoffs: 'It won't reduce congestion and improve air quality, it's all about the money. Traffic nightmare, who are the Vale council kidding?'
Udy writes: 'I hope it ends Barry Island pleasure park that's for sure!'
Barrian agrees: 'It looks so sad these days. It needs putting out of its misery.'
Dm68 asks: 'How is it going to encourage people to visit coastal towns by slapping a parking charge on car parks ?! It beggars belief that anyone would believe this.'
Thebear2025 agrees: 'What is the matter with these councils? See a busy, popular seafront then slap parking charges on them and stop people from coming anymore . Top business sense. NPT was the same with Aberavon Beach.'
MPR adds: 'They really don't give a hoot about business do they? They will increase the cost year on year plus make costly decisions like only two options for parking being 30 mins or 5 hours (similar to what they do in Ogmore) when you only need 90 mins for a cuppa and a walk, it's infuriating.'
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Cync48 thinks: 'Labour council, enough said. They have even done it on Wedel Rd and there are no houses there. It's because the nurses parked there and walked to the hospital.'
Do you agree with the parking charges? How do you think it will affect the local area? Have your say in our comments section.
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