Parking Charges Set to Increase at Popular Seaside Promenade in Llandudno
In a move that has sparked local concerns and opposition, Conwy County Borough Council is considering extending the Controlled Parking Zone along The Parade in Llandudno, which could lead to higher parking charges for visitors to the popular seaside promenade.
The proposed extension of the Controlled Parking Zone would stretch between Ty’n y Ffirth Road and Nant-y-Gamar Road in the Craig y Don area of Llandudno. Starting from May 1st and lasting through until September 30th, vehicles parking in this zone may face fees of £5.50 for up to four hours, with rates increasing to £7.50 for longer stays. During the off-peak season, which runs from October 1st to April 30th, prices could be set at £2.40 for up to two hours parked, £3.80 for a maximum of four hours, and £5.40 for parking durations exceeding four hours, with charging times proposed from 10am to 4pm.
Local concerns about the potential impact of these changes have been raised by Janet Finch-Saunders, the Senedd member for Aberconwy. She has expressed worries on behalf of residents and businesses regarding the additional strain that increased parking charges may put on the community. Finch-Saunders emphasised that small businesses in the area are already facing financial pressures, including high employer National Insurance Contributions and business rates, which are among the highest in Great Britain for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Moreover, there is apprehension among residents that expanding the Controlled Parking Zone could lead to visitors opting to park on nearby residential streets for free, further exacerbating parking difficulties for those who already struggle to find spaces near their homes. In light of these concerns, Finch-Saunders has urged the Conwy County Borough Council to reconsider their proposal and take into account the potential adverse effects on local businesses and residents.
Apart from the looming parking changes, there have been recent developments in securing funding for Llandudno’s flood defences. Conwy Council has successfully obtained a multi-million pound funding boost for enhancing the town’s flood prevention measures. This initiative comes after years of campaigning to secure necessary funding to reintroduce sand as part of the coastal defences. However, additional funding is still required for implementing a sand and groynes option for a specific section of the beach, estimated to cost an extra £12.54 million.
Despite ongoing efforts to secure funding for various projects in Llandudno, concerns remain regarding the potential implications of the proposed parking fee increases along the promenade. Residents, businesses, and local officials continue to engage in discussions and consultations to address these issues and ensure that any changes made serve the best interests of the community.
As discussions evolve and decisions are made concerning parking charges and other initiatives in Llandudno, the local community remains actively involved in shaping the future of the seaside town and preserving its unique character and charm amidst ongoing developments and challenges.