New parking fees at Rhos on Sea prom anger locals. They seek local discounts amid fears for business.
The Rhos on Sea prom had free parking, which helped the town’s business boom last year. The prom was remodeled for £14 million. Critics said locals would eventually pay for it, getting a nice sandy beach but now having to pay.
People want a special pricing plan for locals to park without high fees. They fear shops will suffer if locals avoid the seafront, as fewer people will drive there if parking is pricey.
South Devon approved something like this, where visitors pay higher parking fees. Locals can get a £5 permit for discounts. The council said the fee hike is vital, generating needed income after April 2021, while critics call it a “tourism tax.”
Rhos on Sea residents want a local pass for free or cheap parking. One man called the council’s charges “disgusting,” stating that since locals pay council tax, the prom should be free. He suggested a £1 hourly rate.
A woman said locals need an annual pass. A “small fee” could allow two hours of free parking daily. She said businesses need year-round support instead of “surcharges.”
A Conwy mom found the minimum charge shocking. She drives to Rhos on Sea because parking is great and free. Conwy and Llandudno parking are a pain, she said, adding that cafes and shops will suffer if locals avoid both towns.
Colwyn Bay already has £95 annual parking permits that now cover Rhos on Sea. Still, some find the price too high, as this permit doesn’t work in other car parks. A county-wide pass costs £292, and people want a cheap local Beaumaris-type annual pass.
Old Colwyn felt similar anger last autumn. The council was called “greedy” after an £18m upgrade, including a raised promenade plus a fishing platform.
The £5.50 charge lasts four hours from May to September and is £7.50 for longer stays. Off-season, it drops to £2.40 for two hours and £3.80 for four hours over winter. Blue badge holders park free in marked bays, and parking is free from 4 PM to 10 AM, but RVs can’t stay overnight.
Colwyn Bay has had parking fees for years. Conwy Council aims to align its parking strategy. This will bring Old Colwyn and Rhos on Sea fees in line and match Llandudno tariffs.
Rhos on Sea Council wanted cheaper rates, but the higher authority disagreed. There are fears visitors will hog spots, pushing others to park on residential streets instead.
Some are less excited about the new prom now. One person hopes people enjoy paying for it and added that the council should have warned locals about the new expense for dog-walking.
Some think people rely too much on their cars. One man said people should walk more, encouraging exercise, fresh air, and views.
Conwy Council says it needs funds for services. Grant-funded projects also need to be maintained. Costs are high and taxes can only provide so much funding for services for a small city.
Parking charges apply from 10 AM to 4 PM. Blue badge holders always park fee free. Tariffs are lower from October to April, reflecting fewer summer visitors to the promenade.
A £95 annual pass equals 26p per day. These charges will start soon once the traffic order passes.