Outcry at new car parking charges

Llanelli’s AM and MP have slammed Council plans for new car parking charges as a penny-pinching, vindictive attack on local residents.

The County Council are proposing to restrict access and charge for parking at a number of car parks in Carmarthenshire that are currently free and unrestricted. These include the Woodlands car park in Burry Port, Shoreline in Pembrey, Festival Fields by Sandy Road and the Woodlands in Tumble.

Nia Griffith MP commented: “It is outrageous that the Council is planning to whack round-the-clock charges on beach and country car-parks, hammering local residents who just want to take their children or dogs out for some fresh air.

“This will be counter-productive as resentful drivers may well avoid the car parks and end up parking less conveniently and less safely along roadsides. And I cannot see how the economics stack up, by the time you pay for warden’s time and mileage just to police them.

“I am calling on the council to drop these dull plans once and for all.”

Lee Waters AM said: “I am completely bemused by this latest move by the Council to restrict free access to our local beaches and countryside.

“The council have not demonstrated that there is a problem in any of these are areas that would justify this proposal, so I struggle to understand what problem they’re trying to solve.

“Local people use these car parks for recreation in natural and green open spaces, proven to have physical and mental health benefits.  Coming just months after double yellow lines have been put down throughout Pembrey’s Country Park, I’d really like to know, why this and why now?”

Cllr Rob James, Labour’s Leader on Carmarthenshire County Council, added: “I’d like to echo the views of Nia and Lee on this issue. I have spoken with Labour Councillors representing Burry Port, Sandy and Llannon, who are determined to fight these charges.

“Plaid Cymru have attacked car parking changes nationally, yet they are showing you can’t trust them to deliver on their promises locally. Frankly, Carmarthenshire deserves better.”

If residents wish to object to these plans they can do so by writing to the Head of Administration & Law, County Hall, Carmarthen SA31 1JP or emailing rwjones@sirgar.gov.uk by 22^nd March. The plans and maps can be viewed at the Hub in Stepney Street, Llanelli or 3 Spilman Street in Carmarthen.