Concerns car park fee increase could harm tourism

There are fears plans to increase parking charges in popular seaside towns could damage tourism, a public consultation has found.

North Norfolk District Council hopes to generate more than £150,000 extra per year from price rises in places including Cromer, Sheringham and Wells-next-the-Sea.

Hourly charges in some car parks would rise from £2.10 to £2.20 an hour and the council is expected to confirm the changes this week.

But just over half the people taking part in a consultation said they were concerned the new charges could impact tourism or local trade.

Last month councillors agreed a 3.8% increase in charges for the car parks it runs in coastal towns and villages to cover inflationary costs.

They had looked at how the authority's fees compared with other nearby areas - with parking on Great Yarmouth seafront starting at £3.10 an hour.

The change means larger car parks in north Norfolk will see rises of 10p per hour, with smaller sites going up 5p per hour.

However, before finalising the new fees the authority had to carry out a consultation.

According to a report from council officers, 119 people responded, with 54% expressing concerns visitors could be put off.

"Responses suggested that higher charges discourage visitors, shorten stays, and reduce footfall," the report said.

While the report advises councillors to consider how people replied to the consultation, it recommends they confirm the new charges when they meet on Wednesday.

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