## Outrage as Vale Seaside Parking Charges Move Forward Despite Business Fears
Proposed parking charges at two of Wales’ most beloved seaside destinations have ignited fierce debate, with both residents and business owners warning that the changes could inflict severe damage on the local economy. The Vale of Glamorgan Council has confirmed it will proceed with its plan to end two hours of free on-street parking at Barry Island and Penarth seafront – an announcement that has sparked a firestorm of criticism.
The council’s cabinet gave the final green light to the controversial scheme on 3 July, asserting that increased parking revenue is necessary to support ongoing investment in popular coastal locations, and to help protect visitor numbers. At the same time, officials revealed that the multi-storey car park on Court Road, Barry, will be closed permanently in line with prior intentions.
Councillor Mark Wilson, responsible for neighbourhood and building services, outlined the council’s rationale. “Barry Island and Penarth remain attractions for many visitors, and we want to maintain that. The overarching goal is to manage congestion, which has been a persistent problem, while hopefully improving air quality in the area,” he explained.
Despite these aims, the council’s moves have done little to reassure business owners and local residents. Many traders rely on consistent trade outside of the peak summer months and fear the new charges will deter people, especially locals, from making impromptu visits to the seafront. With the end of free parking, the threat of declining trade during the quieter winter season looms large.
Council leaders have attempted to temper criticism by pledging a full review of the parking fees in Barry Island and Penarth after two years. However, this has not calmed tempers amongst those who say their livelihoods are on the line. The perception remains that the council is prioritising revenue over the everyday needs of its community.
Public reaction has been impassioned across social media, with Wales Online readers expressing a chorus of concern. One local, commenting as NoFoolJule, lamented, “This will kill businesses on the front.” Their sentiment was echoed by several others who see the new fee – set to be £2.50 in many cases – as an unfair “tax” on everyday activities, from collecting fish and chips to enjoying a quick stroll by the sea.
Other commentators pointed out the risk of unintended consequences, with fears of increased illegal parking and abuse of disabled spaces if legitimate on-street options become too costly or limited. Calls for tougher policing of parking hotspots have already begun to surface.
Some locals took a more resigned or cynical stance, suggesting parking charges have become a necessary evil in busy tourist areas, but questioned why councils persist with them despite clear opposition. One resident argued the policy “won’t reduce congestion or improve air quality – it’s all about the money.”
Critics also raised concerns about the lack of flexibility in ticket options, with some pointing to similar issues at other Welsh resorts. The minimum stay is either 30 minutes or five hours in some locations, rendering it impractical for visitors looking to pop in for a coffee or a brief walk.
The decision reflects a broader tension between local authorities’ desire to generate revenue and the economic realities faced by small coastal businesses. The stakes are high for seaside communities striving to rebound after tough trading periods in recent years, with many viewing free parking as an essential tool for keeping their towns vibrant and accessible.
As the changes move forward, all eyes will be on Barry Island and Penarth to see whether these new parking regimes bolster the council coffers, or, as critics fear, drive locals and tourists away and sound a death knell for beloved seaside businesses.