Parking Fee Fury Erupts in Rhos on Sea Over Proposed Two-Tier System

Parking fees are coming to Rhos on Sea. Locals are not happy about these new charges. It will cost £5.50 to visit the seafront. People go there to walk, swim, or get coffee. The town thrived after the prom’s remodel because parking was free.

Some warned the beach project would have a hidden cost. Now locals want a special parking rate. They fear shops will suffer if people avoid the prom.

A town in South Devon made a similar change. Visitors pay higher parking fees. Locals get a discount with a £5 permit. The council needs money and calls it crucial income. Critics call it a “tourism tax.”

Rhos on Sea residents want a “residents’ pass.” This would give free or cheap parking. One person called the new fees “totally disgusting.” Some want just a small hourly rate, which lets people walk dogs or visit the shops.

One woman wants a cheap annual pass that would allow two free hours daily. She feels shops need local support year-round. Her concern is that fees affect everyone.

One mom was upset about the minimum charge. She said Rhos on Sea was easy to park. It beats parking in Conwy or Llandudno. The parking price exceeds the cost of coffee.

Conwy already has a two-tier system. A Colwyn Bay pass costs £95 per year. This pass will soon include Old Colwyn and Rhos on Sea. Some still find the price too high. The pass only applies to Colwyn Bay.

Another annual pass covers the entire county. It costs around £292. Some people feel their annual pass should only cost £20.

Old Colwyn residents also feel angry. They protested after a coastal project. They believed the council showed “greed”. They said the costs are too high for the area.

The parking fee starts at £5.50 for four hours from May to September, and it increases to £7.50 if you stay longer. In winter, it drops to £2.40 for two hours. Parking is free for blue badge holders, but motorhomes can’t stay overnight.

Fees already exist along Colwyn Bay. The fees will bring Rhos on Sea up to par, putting the price at similar levels with Llandudno. The council rejected cheaper rates.

It will be a challenge to please everyone. Some fear people will park on residential streets nearby. They want cheap and simple parking in the area. Some feel the charges ruin the new promenade’s appeal.

One person said they should have warned locals, as it now costs simply to walk their dog or exercise. Others say people are too attached to driving everywhere. Walking is good exercise, and benefits health, and they suggest getting out of the car for fresh air.

Conwy Council says they need the money, as essential services depend on new revenue. They need funds to maintain projects partially covered by grants. The council stated charges run from 10 AM to 4 PM, similar to Llandudno and Colwyn Bay.

Low season rates will be cheaper during less crowded times. A £95 annual pass costs just 26p each day. These new rates start after the legal process ends. The council aims to collect all the new fees quickly.