This month there has been much debate on the controversial plans to introduce parking fees near the seafront.
A resident, Danielle Owen, who strongly opposes introducing parking charges at the seafront has set up a petition.
The petition has so far received 105 signatures in support of the calls to not introduce car parking charges.
Penarth seafront (Image: Newsquest) She wrote: “Coastal areas are public spaces, known for their tranquillity and beauty, contributing immensely to community well-being.
“These areas are frequently visited by residents of nearby towns and cities to take a break from their daily routines, explore nature, or just for a family get-together.
“Imposing parking charges presents a barrier to people making use of these public spaces.
“In an era where outdoor activities are heavily promoted for their mental and physical health benefits, it is unfair to make public spaces less accessible with extra cost burdens.”
She added: “small businesses in that area, such as cafe owners, souvenir shops, beach equipment rentals, also see a decline in their customer base due to decreased visitations.”
The proposed parking charging location at the seafront (Image: Vale of Glamorgan Council)
The debate over car parking charging
The council says the proposal aims to ‘encourage visitors to use nearby off-street car parks’, help reducing ‘highway congestion’ and to help safeguard ‘frontline services.
The manager of Beachcliff Traditional Fish and Chips, Rhys Blow, 35 said: “It is going to stop people coming here.
“It is dead down here during the week. There is no reason to do it, it is another money scheme.
I cannot tell you how disgusted I am.”
However, others such as Sid Sethi, owner of Sid’s Restaurant said there are arguments for and against it.
“Right now, some leave their cars for six to eight hours. We will have to wait and see how it goes.”
What is the latest on the proposed plans?
The matter was due to be discussed in the Environment and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee meeting on 14 January.
However, in the meeting the discussion of the matter of introducing car parking charges was postponed.
This report is an urgent referral from cabinet I want to allow sufficient time to debate issues in it.
The Committee Chair Cllr Susan Lloyd-Selby who proposed the deferral, said:
There is understandably a considerable amount of public interest and concern about the proposals set out in the report.
“Given that I want to propose this evening that the report is deferred to a seperate special meeting to ensure sufficient time for committee to scrutinize the report as well as enabling effective public participation.”
In the meeting, the initial proposed date for the special meeting to discuss the parking charging report was 28 January 2025.
In a post on social media, the Vale council said: “This meeting will provide an opportunity for residents to share their views.
“We will update residents as soon as the date is confirmed.”