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Penarth: opposition grows over parking charges

Tuesday, 21 January 2025 14:48

By Gareth Joy X @lookoutwales2

Geograph (Stephen McKay)

More than 1200 people have signed a petition over controversial plans for parking charges on Penarth Esplanade.

Vale Council intends to introduce parking fees around key areas of Barry and Penarth, after its cabinet agreed "in principle" to the proposals earlier this month.

A similar online petition against proposals for Barry Island - created by Barrybados founder Louis Ross - has now attracted more than 3,100 signatures.

The council has been roundly criticised for not consulting residents or businesses about its plans, which also include the closure of a multi-storey car park at Court Road in Barry.

Local resident Danielle Owen, who set up the Penarth petition, said: "In an era where outdoor activities are heavily promoted for their mental and physical health benefits, it is unfair to make public spaces less accessible with extra cost burdens."

She added: "Furthermore, small businesses in that area, such as cafe owners, souvenir shops, beach equipment rentals, also see a decline in their customer base due to decreased visitations, affecting local economies."

"Let's end this practice that prohibits equal access to our beachfront locations and harms local businesses. Eliminating parking charges on the seafront is an important step in promoting accessibility and equality. Make these spaces once again free to all who wish to enjoy them."

The petition cites Department of Transport figures from a 2020 survey which showed the number of seaside visitors had fallen by approximately 15% after parking charges were implemented.

Vale Council's proposals for Penarth would affect not only the Esplanade, but also Cliff Hill, Cliff Parade and parts of Beach Road and Bridgeman Road.

Council leader Lis Burnett, who represents the Stanwell ward of Penarth, said the local authority faces maintenance and resort management costs associated with visitors, arguing: "Asking this group to contribute to the upkeep of our resorts is only fair as that responsibility should not lie solely with residents."

“We have made on-street parking at resorts free before 10am to try and accommodate those living locally and restricted on-street parking at resort areas to a maximum of four hours to ensure different people can access these spaces throughout the day."

Cllr Rhys Thomas, who represents the Conservatives in the Plymouth ward, is among those calling for the proposed charges to be scrapped.

He said: "These proposed parking charges are completely unnecessary and will discourage people from visiting the Esplanade at a time when the council should be doing all they can to help our restaurants and cafes."

"It says it all that the Vale Council couldn't even be bothered to do a proper consultation on this and have tried to rush these parking charges through. It's an insult to local businesses and the people of Penarth."

"The Labour council should halt their attack on Penarth businesses and let the Esplanade prosper, which will benefit everyone in our town."

A Vale Council spokesperson told Bro Radio News that it would not make any further comment as the issue was due to be debated at a special environment and regeneration scrutiny committee meeting on Tuesday 28th January 2025.

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