Fury Over New Car Parking Charges Threatening Seaside Town’s Visitors
Local businesses fear new parking fees will deter visitors and hurt trade
Barry, Wales, Parking Charges, Local Businesses, Tourism
Barry: There’s a real uproar in Barry over new car parking charges. Business owners and locals are worried that these fees will scare off visitors and hurt local shops. The Vale of Glamorgan Council is planning to introduce these charges in Barry and Penarth, including on-street parking at popular spots like Barry Island.
The council is facing a big budget gap and thinks these charges could bring in some cash. They’re hoping to raise about £500,000. But many people, including business owners and local councillors, are pushing back against this idea.
One shop owner, Louis Ross, shared his thoughts. He gets that visitors might expect to pay for parking, but he feels it’s the locals who will suffer. They just want to enjoy the area without being hit with extra costs. He’s worried that if his sales drop, he’ll have to cut back on staff, which isn’t good for anyone.
Comments from locals show a lot of frustration. One pensioner mentioned losing heating allowances and feels like they’re being charged more than tourists. Another person pointed out that councils often overlook the businesses that help the local economy thrive. They fear that if parking fees keep rising, it’ll drive shoppers away and lead to more empty shops.
People are also talking about how cashless payments make it easier for councils to impose these fees. Some have even suggested that if parking charges are necessary, they should only be seasonal or during peak times. The general feeling is that these charges could really hurt the local vibe and economy.
So, what do you think about these new parking charges? Are they just another tax on visitors, or could they actually help raise some much-needed funds? Let us know your thoughts!