Council reconsiders plans to scrap free parking in Barry Island and Penarth following local opposition.
Currently, parking is free for two hours there. The council thinks fees will help manage busy areas, and they also believe it will help fund resort upkeep.
Business owners worry about lost winter trade. Barrybados owner, Louis Ross, is happy with the review and hopes for a solution that suits everyone. His petition got over 3,300 signatures.
Proposed Barry Island fees affect several roads, while Penarth fees would affect The Esplanade and other streets. A Penarth petition got almost 3,000 signatures.
Louis wants to meet with council officials. He wants to explain the fee’s potential harm and fears job losses if fees are too high.
The final decision will be made later. The council faces a big budget gap, as Court Road car park costs a lot to operate.
Councillor Ian Johnson says Barry is already crowded. Closing the car park would cause major parking problems in the area. The council previously approved charging at four coastal car parks.
One business owner spoke about poor car park conditions, mentioning that someone fell and broke a hip. The council has stated they will fix two car parks before adding fees.
Council leader Lis Burnett says fees create consistency. She believes visitors should help pay for resort upkeep, and she wants the reasons for these decisions to be clear.
The council is gathering more information, including impacts of potential Court Road closure and new street fees. They will use this to make a final decision.
Fees at the four car parks will be the same as others, and season tickets are available for coastal car parks. They cost £60 for six months or £100 yearly and are valid at any council resort car park. A combined ticket for coastal and country parks is coming soon.