Free car parking SCRAPPED in ‘very popular' UK resorts impacting over 50,000 drivers
The move has sparked fury among locals and traders.
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Barry Island and Penarth seafront are set to get new charges, as the Vale of Glamorgan Council pushes ahead despite strong public backlash.
Cabinet members gave the final go-ahead on Thursday, July 3, after reviewing further evidence about how parking spaces are being used.
Council research found more people were choosing on-street spaces over nearby car parks.
Officials also flagged growing abuse of the current system, with drivers moving from one free bay to another to dodge time limits – limiting space for genuine visitors.
To address this, new on-street charges will apply along the Barry Island and Penarth Esplanades.
Parking will remain free before 10am, with a £2.50 charge applying from 10am to noon.
After that, rates go up to £4 for three hours and £6 for a maximum four-hour stay.
Cllr Lis Burnett, Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: 'These charges are designed to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow by encouraging people to use car parks, public transport and active forms of travel.
'It has also been proven that people are moving directly from one on-street parking space to another, deliberately abusing the current system by overstaying.
"We need to stop that. We also want to increase the turnover and availability of spaces.
'The income raised will be reinvested into the resorts and highway maintenance at these popular locations.
'We have made on-street parking at resorts free before 10am to try and accommodate those living locally and restricted on-street parking in these areas to a maximum of four hours to ensure different people can access spaces throughout the day.'
Additional changes include charges being introduced at other nearby car parks – Cold Knap, Bron-y-Mor, Cliff Walk, Portabello and West Farm – following completion of a statutory consultation.
Some of the sites will also see improvements, including resurfacing and more disabled bays.
The council insists any surplus income from these fees will go towards transport projects, highway upkeep and resort maintenance.
But many locals aren't convinced.
People took to social media to voice their anger.
One X user posted: 'Shocking! As I have said previously, when have the council members EVER worried about or listened to the people?'
Another said: 'I can not believe this at all.'
Traders have also raised concerns that the move could put off visitors and damage business at the height of the summer season.
Despite the backlash, the council will also push on with plans to shut the Court Road multi-storey car park in Barry as part of the same review.
The new parking rules will now enter a 21-day public consultation phase under the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) process, before they are fully enforced.
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