Latest news with #parkingcharges
RNZ News
6 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Cafe owner protests Punakaiki parking charges
The DOC carpark at Punakaiki can be packed in summer. Photo: Lois Williams / LDR A Punakaiki café owner is urging the Conservation Department to rethink its plan to charge for parking at the famous Pancake Rocks on the West Coast. Grant Parrett told a meeting of the West Coast Tai o Poutini Conservation Board this week that parking charges create de facto entry fee to (Paparoa) National Park, which was unlawful. Photo: Conservation Minister Tama Potaka has asked for a trial of paid parking to boost revenue. DOC is aiming to launch a pilot programme in October at Punakaiki, Franz Josef and White Horse Hill at Aoraki Mt Cook. Project manager John Dore told the Board that DOC had serious budget pressures including a 30 percent shortfall in funding for its visitor network and a huge deficit in the amount available for biodiversity. "For protection of all endangered species we have a budget of $300 million - but a need of $2.3 billion," Dore said. Climate events in the last few years had added $90 million in costs, he added. Paid parking was a tool used internationally in nature parks and would help manage overcrowding at busy sites, he told the board. But Parrett said the move would turn public conservation land into a Wilsons-style parking lot, and urged the board to oppose it. A business owner says parking fees will disadvantage local people who call in for a coffee. Photo: Lois Williams / LDR "However you label it, it's a National Park entry fee; it contravenes the National Parks Act and it diminishes DOC's social license to operate." There were no free parks at Punakaiki because they had been removed to make room for the new Visitor Centre development and people would have no option but to pay to walk around the Pancake Rocks, Parrett said. Unlike Franz Josef or Aoraki Mt Cook, Punakaiki was not a tourist destination but a stop-off attraction for people driving the scenic Coast Road, and for most of the year there was no congestion or capacity problem in the carpark, he said. "Parking fees will disadvantage local people who call in for a coffee or to stretch their legs, and we don't want this," he said. While DOC owned the land, taxpayers had funded the $45 million Dolomite Point Visitor Centre development and the building was gifted by the last government to manawhenua, NgatiWaewae, who now leased office space back to DOC. The public has paid for this development and costs should be kept low, he said. "I am surprised that the iwi has supported the paid parking trial … unless they stand to benefit from it," Parrett said. If people had to pay for parking they might be less likely to pay for Ngati Waewae's interactive visitor experience inside, he suggested. Ngati Waewae's representative on the Conservation Board, Francois Tumahai, objected. "I disagree with everything you've said. The cost of the building was not $45 million and we're not getting a cent from the project. In the early days we suggested we might provide (parking) wardens … that's it." Parrett suggested it would be good if the iwi put out a statement to that effect in the interests of transparency. The iwi leader responded: "You're the one causing all the grief - you put it out." Board chairperson Dr Mike Legge closed off the discussion and thanked Parrett for his contribution to the public forum. The new visitor centre opened in November 2024. Photo: LDR / SUPPLIED The Dolomite Point Visitor Centre, funded by the Provincial Growth Fund, was budgeted to cost $26 million but the project - including the new carparks - received a funding boost of $15 million in 2023 and cost a total of $40.9 million. The paid parking trial, including charging technology and upgrades to carparks at the three sites, is being funded by $3.8 million from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy. DOC plans to release its pricing strategy early next month and hold public drop-in sessions at Punakaiki, Franz Josef and Aoraki in mid August. Submissions close on August 26 for Punakaiki, and September 30 for Aoraki. - LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Daily Mail
20-07-2025
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Where should we take the kids? These are the most expensive family days out from Alton Towers to Legoland - so where will YOU go?
Britain's beloved family days out are under threat as high parking charges pile pressure on already cash-strapped parents. A MailOnline investigation can today reveal the shocking cost of parking at some of the country's most popular tourist attractions, with families forking out as much as £30 just to leave the car - on top of steep ticket prices. At Legoland Windsor, a walk-up family ticket for four comes in at a staggering £272, before adding up to £18 just to park. At Chessington World of Adventures, the gate price for a family of four reaches £264, plus £20 for an 'express' car space - taking the total to £284 for a single day. It is a similar story at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, where entry for four costs £156, with a further £20 to park at its North Car Park. At Whipsnade Zoo, families who don't want to use a distant free parking area face a £30 charge for a space closer to the entrance. Money and business expert Maddy Alexander-Grout, 41, said 'It's expensive enough to visit these theme parks without adding parking charges on top. 'Families are already stretched day to day with rising costs, so to then face a hefty parking fee feels like a hammer blow which prices many out. 'Attractions already make huge profits through ticket sales, food and drink, and adding parking charges just feels greedy. You're already spending so much once you're inside the park. 'I really think parking should be free as part of the experience. I'm lucky that at Paultons Park, just down the road from me in Southampton, parking is free - it makes a real difference and more attractions should follow that example.' Standard parking at Alton Towers costs £12, but for a premium space, families must cough up £20. That is on top of £272 for four walk-in tickets. Other Merlin-run destinations do not fare much better - with Thorpe Park charging up to £20 and Warwick Castle asking up to £10 for parking. Meanwhile families in the UK could spend up to £65 on parking alone during day trips to the most popular visitor attractions, which do not have dedicated car parks. The nearest private car park to Buckingham Palace costs £64.99 for an eight-hour Saturday stay, dwarfing the £38 charged near the British Museum, or £36 close to the Tower of London. In Edinburgh, parking near the Castle or National Museum of Scotland could cost up to £40. A few big-name attractions still offer free parking, including Chester Zoo, Flamingoland in North Yorkshire, and Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire. In Northern Ireland, Titanic Belfast charges by the hour -with a full day and entry for four costing £78.60, though officials insist online deals could bring it down to £65.60 with early booking and shorter stays. A spokesperson said: 'We continually benchmark parking prices across Belfast city to ensure that we are in-line with others.' Many venues offer free or discounted entry for smaller children, and online ticket deals can help cut the cost. ZSL, which runs Whipsnade Zoo, said it offers free parking in an off-site area and free entry for children under three. For visitors to London Zoo, a spokesperson added: 'As well as supporting ZSL's conservation work at London Zoo and beyond, the car parking charge ensures the spaces in it are reserved for London Zoo's visitors.' Merlin, which runs Thorpe Park, Chessington, Alton Towers and Legoland, said: 'We regularly review our prices to ensure that we continue to deliver the best possible value and experience for our guests. 'The prices quoted are our gate prices, however the overwhelming majority of guests book online in advance to get the best deal. A number of our attractions provide on-site parking, with prices in line with market standards. 'In 2024, we saw a further year-on-year increase in visitor numbers and our highest ever levels of guest satisfaction. We are confident that the vast majority of guests will continue to book in advance to get the best deals and have memorable days out at Merlin attractions.' Catherine Warrilow, visitor attraction brand strategist at The Plot, told MailOnline: 'For many attractions, parking fees have become a vital source of revenue to cover rising costs ranging from maintenance and security to staff and insurance. 'Separating parking charges from ticket prices enables attractions to keep headline admission fees more competitive in a market where visitors shop around online for deals and discounts. 'It makes tickets also appear more affordable, even if the total cost tells another story 'However, for many families, the cost of parking is now the straw that breaks the camel's back on a supposedly fun day out. 'It's not just an annoyance, it's a major factor pricing people out of precious summer experiences - that's before you've even got to the restaurant or gift shop.' Lavania Oluban, 38, a parenting blogger from Birmingham, West Midlands, and mother to Arlo, eight, said attractions' steep parking charges 'wind her up'. She said: 'Even when you hunt for special offers or discounts, the hidden costs like parking really sting. 'What's worse is how unclear these charges often are online, so you don't even know the full cost until you arrive. 'It feels unfair when ticket prices are already sky-high and there's no real alternative, especially for theme parks or rural attractions where public transport just isn't practical. 'You'll get there and pay £20, only to be directed onto some boggy overflow field with no attendants. 'Then, at the end of a long day, you're exhausted, the kids are tired, and you end up stuck in a car park gridlock with no proper system to get out. 'It's hard to see how they justify these prices when the service doesn't match. It makes me more reluctant to spend money at these attractions and so I will take my own packed lunch and avoid the gift shop to claw some of that expense back.' How much do some of Britain's top attractions really cost? Attraction Tickets Parking Total Alton Towers £272 £12-£20 £292 Legoland £272 £12-£18 £290 Thorpe Park £264 £12-£20 £284 Chessington World of Adventures £264 £12-£20 £284 Blackpool Pleasure Beach £156 £15-£20 £176 Warwick Castle £156 £7-£10 £166 Longleat Safari Park £157.30 Free £157.30 Eden Project £157 Free £157 Whipsnade Zoo £115.60 £30 £145.60 Tower of London £99 £36 £135 Chester Zoo £131.80 Free £131.80 London Zoo £114.20 £17.50 £131.70 Windsor Castle £105 £24 £129 Edinburgh Castle £77 £40 £117 Roman Baths, Bath £86 £13.90 £99.90 Titanic Belfast £68 £10.60 £78.60 Buckingham Palace Free £65 £65 British Museum Free £38 £38 National Museum of Scotland Free £36 £36 Parking for whole day or eight hours for attractions in italics, which are for parking closest to the site. Tickets are for two adults and two children.
BBC News
18-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Clevedon traders in protest against on-street parking charges
Some independent town traders wore black funeral clothing as they staged a protest against proposed parking charges, which they warn will kill-off October, North Somerset Council voted to introduce on-street and car parking charges in Clevedon, Nailsea and Portishead, as a way to balance its shopkeeper Judith Levy, who took part in the demonstration on Hill Road, said: "We've seen it happen in other places where independent shops start closing up and it would be awful if it were to happen here."North Somerset Council said it "needs to save £44m over the next three years after reduced national government funding". Charges are set be introduced following a consultation of Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs), which closes on 18 July. A council spokesperson said it has seen an increase in demand for services, particularly in adult social care and children's services, along with rising added: "We've had no choice but to review all areas of council income generation and spend, including making the difficult decision on introducing parking charges across North Somerset."But some independent shopkeepers accused the local authority of being careless with their spending. "I understand the council need to balance their budget but part of the problem is their own making with the big mess they've done on the seafront", said Ms Levy, referring to the removal of the controversial wiggly road markings which cost about £1.5m."We've already lost about 30% of trade since the seafront debacle", she said, claiming businesses have seen lower footfall after the removal of sea-facing parking in Clevedon and the introduction of a one-way system."Since then all the traders on Hill Road have found it harder. It hit the reputation of the town and it stopped a lot of people coming," she added. North Somerset Council hopes to raise a million pounds as it seeks to balance its leader Mike Bell, previously said parking hikes were "unavoidable", warning the council "was in a financial emergency".Ms Levy, who runs a retail and yoga studio on Hill Road is also worried about the impact new charges can have on nearby roads."Our street will be paid parking which means residential streets around it will be full of cars because people will try to avoid paying," she said. She suggested having a park and ride into town. Discover Clevedon, which represent traders, has written to the council saying a 30-minute free parking period was not included in the recently published Traffic Regulation Orders."The published TROs do not accurately reflect the decision previously made by North Somerset Council to include a 30-minute free parking period for on-street parking," the letter said."This omission means that the proposals do not present an accurate basis for respondents to comment on, effectively removing the opportunity for stakeholders to fulfil the statutory requirements of the TRO consultation process."North Somerset Council did not respond to the claims, but has invited residents, businesses and other organisations to comment via their website. They added: "All comments received will be reviewed and a decision will be taken shortly on the next steps regarding introducing parking charges in Clevedon."
BBC News
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Free Liverpool City Centre evening parking ends
Free evening parking for vehicles in Liverpool city centre has ended. The council confirmed the decision to extend parking charges to 23:00 in May despite almost 90% of people indicating they were against the move. Councillors argued the changes would standardise parking across the city centre, according to the Local Democracy Reporting ServiceSignage and parking meters were updated on Monday to reflect the changes to the controlled parking zone (CPZ), meaning drivers will be charged from 07:00 to 23:00, rather than the current length of 08:00 to 18:00. Drivers will also be charged more with 30 minutes parking rising from £1.20 to £2, while an hour now costs £4, up from £ Dan Barrington, cabinet member for transport and connectivity, claimed the changes would help deal with issues like vehicles parking on the pavement. A Liverpool City Council spokesperson confirmed the long-delayed scheme was now live across the city centre. The changes had been expected to be implemented at the start of June. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
BBC News
14-07-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Ilkley parking proposals 'written by Ebenezer Scrooge'
Plans to shake up parking charges in the Bradford district are "so stingy they could have been written by Ebeneezer Scrooge", a councillor has claimed. The controversial changes include scrapping the one hour of free parking currently available in Ilkley and imposing charges on bank holidays. Ilkley Conservative councillor Andrew Loy told a Bradford Council meeting that the changes could see people forced to pay to park outside church on Christmas will also rise in Bradford city centre – including fees to park on the street at numerous locations in the evening. The meeting heard a petition against Ilkley's parking charges had been signed by more than 1,500 people, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) proposals, if approved, would see the removal of the one-hour free street parking, as well as increasing charging until 8pm (from 6pm), inclusive of bank holidays.A consultation on the changes recently ended, and will be decided in the near petition on the Ilkley charges was presented by local resident Richard Downing, who said the removal of the free parking would be "immensely damaging" for local told members: "It helps people shop locally and make visits to doctors and post offices. Having to pay to visit shops for a few items will make it inconvenient to shop locally – footfall will be down and people will be drawn to retail parks." "Many residents will stop visiting the town's small businesses. Evening charges will deter people from visiting our theatres."He urged the council to scrap the proposed Alex Ross Shaw, Executive for regeneration, planning and transport, thanked petitioners, saying: "We recognise the number of responses to the petition. We do recognise the strength of feeling."We're looking at trying to find ways of managing the budget. Standardising parking charges is one way of doing this. I understand some people believe Ilkley is treated differently from the rest of the district, and I do want to push back on that."Charges have been changed or implemented right across the district. People often feel when a change comes in 'why my area?' but often the changes are taking place in similar ways right across the district."He said there had been a considerable number of responses to the consultation, and that the final decision would be made by the council's said charges would "deal a blow" to the town's restaurants, bars and venues like Ilkley Playhouse, Ilkley Cinema and King's said: "The charges will unfairly impact certain groups of people. They include the elderly, less mobile, parents dropping off children at school and parishioners of churches who rely on on-street parking to attend their local church services."How is it fair that they might face a parking fine for parking outside their church on Christmas Day?"It's like Ebenezer Scrooge is writing the council's parking policy."Members voted for the petition to go to a future meeting of the council's executive. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
