Controversial new parking charges in Barry and Penarth are set to be put on hold until next Spring.
Thousands of people signed two petitions against the introduction of charges at the Cold Knap and Bryn-y-Mor in Barry and at Penarth Cliff Walk in September.
But Vale of Glamorgan Council says its cabinet will consider a report next week which recommends a temporary suspension.
Plaid Cymru said it welcomed the ‘U-turn’.
The local authority had introduced a wider car parking strategy, which included plans to close the multi-storey car park on Court Road in Barry.
But now, the cabinet member for neighbourhood services has admitted the council “didn’t get the balance right” between raising income and supporting local businesses.
Cllr Mark Wilson said: “We’ve listened carefully to residents and local businesses, and it’s clear that the introduction of parking charges…has raised concerns that we need to respond to.”
“We know that car parking charges need to strike the right balance between raising the income we need to protect critical services and supporting the people and businesses who rely on these coastal areas every day.”
”When introducing the charges in September, we didn’t get that balance right. People have spoken honestly about how the timing has affected them, especially during the autumn and winter months, which is an already difficult period for coastal businesses.”
”We introduced the charges after months of consideration, but we recognise that bringing them in just as daylight shortens and visitor numbers fall placed extra pressure on traders and residents at the wrong time.”
“These charges were meant to work alongside new on-street parking charges at Barry Island and Penarth seafront, designed to increase turnover of the busiest spaces.”
”With those still not in place, and the council yet to consider the recent consultation on their introduction, the current situation encourages people to use free on-street parking instead of the car parks, which is counterproductive and could also potentially become a source of confusion for visitors.”
“Our intention has always been for visitors to contribute the larger share of parking income to help maintain our coastal resorts.”
”Pausing the charges until the spring gives us the chance to reset, listen further, and ensure any future approach is fair, better timed, and supportive of the community.”
Cllr Wilson added: “We still think that the introduction of charges at these locations is the best decision for the Vale.”
”At the same time, we recognise that our implementation could have been more flexible, and we are committed to maintaining this flexible approach moving forward.”
“Our focus now is to work with residents and businesses to develop a parking strategy that genuinely works for everyone, generates much needed income to protect vital services, and strengthens our coastal towns.”
The report recommending the temporary move to suspend the charges is expected to be formally agreed by the cabinet on Thursday.
In turn, it would mean parking fees at the three locations would be waived immediately with payment machines and signs covered up.
The council plans to further consider the on-street charges in the New Year, when a further report is published.
The charges have once before been reconsidered - but in July, Vale of Glamorgan Council said it was pushing ahead with its proposals despite growing opposition.
There were some alterations - such as changing the hours from seven days a week between 8am and 6pm to seven days a week from 10am to 6pm.
Shortly after the introduction, Plaid Cymru councillors in Barry said the parking charges at the Cold Knap and Bryn-y-Mor were already having an impact on local traders.
Reaching to the council’s announcement, Cllr Steffan William, who represents the Baruc ward, said: “From the first time that this was raised at the start of this year, Plaid Cymru councillors have warned of the impact upon local businesses and residents.”
“However, despite our protests, Labour councillors thought they knew better and pushed this through.”
“In November, the popular fish restaurant, Mr Villas, closed its doors at the Knap, citing the charges as a contributory factor in their decision.”
“I am pleased that the Vale Council have finally listened to common sense and suspended these charges.”
Cllr Mark Hooper added: “As councillors with responsibility for Barry Island and the Knap, Plaid were horrified that Labour wanted to introduce these charges, and we voted against them in committee and the council budget earlier this year.”
“All of the warning signs were there that this would be unsuccessful and would hurt our local businesses.”
“In fact, those businesses told Labour this consistently during the consultation period, and were ignored.”
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