Welsh National Park Hikes Car Park Fees
A proposal to increase parking charges at Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s car parks is expected to receive approval. The meeting is scheduled for October 22, where members will consider alterations to parking fees that will become effective on March 1 of the following year. This change includes significant hikes in costs for longer stays and coach parking.
New Parking Charges Overview
The proposed increases reflect a 33% rise in charges for extended stays and a doubling of fees for coaches. Notable changes include:
- Up to 30 minutes: No change (remains free)
- Up to one hour: £1.50 (no change)
- Up to two hours: Increased from £3 to £4
- Up to four hours: Increased from £4.50 to £6
- All day: Increased from £6 to £8
- Weekly charges: Discontinued at £30
- All-day coach parking: Increased from £8 to £16
Justification for Increases
The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park has seen its number of charging sites increase from 10 to 14 since 2021. This expansion, alongside previous fee hikes, has nearly doubled parking revenue over five years. However, inflation necessitates adjustments; a £1 parking ticket from 2020 would require a charge of £1.27 in 2025 to maintain purchasing power.
The proposed fee adjustments aim to ensure continued financial support for essential services such as coastal buses and public toilets, with projected expenditures reaching £111,000 annually until April 2026.
Financial Outlook and Expected Revenue
Facing significant deficits, the authority anticipates a budget shortfall of £566,000 for the 2025-26 fiscal year with potential deficits exceeding £1 million over the subsequent three years. The recommended parking fee changes are expected to generate approximately £300,000 in additional income.
Members are urged to support these changes, contingent upon the successful variation of the authority’s car park order. It’s also important to note that Pembrokeshire County Council plans to review its own parking fees in January 2026.
