Barry Island seafront parking charges 'kick in the teeth'

Up until 10am, parking will be free of charge, but from then until 6pm there will be a charge of £2.50 to park for up to two hours, £4 for up to three hours and £6 for a maximum four-hour stay.

These charges are aimed at supporting local people and those who regularly visit the seafront on the Island, with the council claiming that it will in turn boost local businesses.

Traders on the island, however, feel very differently about the charges.

Kieran Julio believes that Coastal Coffee will 'lose commerce' (Image: NQ) Kieran Julio, 30, who works at Coastal Coffee, said: “We’ll lose commerce because of this. People already can’t go out and spend like they used to and this gives them even more reason to not come here.

“How are we supposed to trust and rely on the council when they do this? We’re supposed to be a democracy but it’s more like a dictatorship. We’d have more respect and harmony if they actually listened to the people.”

One trader, who wished to remain anonymous, has operated on the Island for over 15 years and believes the charges will act as a "deterrent" and that the act is "short-sightedness" from those in charge.

They said: “You either pay for parking, or you can have free parking and get two coffees somewhere and put the money directly back into a business.”

Sarah Howell is concerned for her co-workers safety if they have to park further away  (Image: NQ) Sarah Howell works at Sofia’s Souvenirs on the seafront and, while she may not drive, can empathise with her colleagues that do.

She expresses concerns of staff members having to park further away from the business to avoid the charges, then walking back to their vehicles in the dark winter months where "anything can happen" when they feel it is "not safe".

Aiden Davies, 28, lives and works in Barry. He calls the charges a "bit of a kick in the teeth" for someone like him, saying that it "won’t do anyone any favours".

Oliver Kingdon, 22, works at Carousel Arcade. He said that if he works a full week on the Island that he will "lose a full day's pay just in parking".

Aiden Davies (left) called the charges 'a kick in the teeth' (Image: NQ) Joanna Stud owns two refreshment huts on the seafront. She sums up what most traders think, saying: “It’s not too bad in the summer but in the winter we won’t last. It’s a short season anyway but they’ve given us nothing.”

Traders are ultimately concerned that locals and those who consistently support their businesses will stop visiting the island because of these charges, leaving them to suffer in the long-term.

Vale of Glamorgan Council leader Lis Burnett said: “These charges are designed to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow by encouraging people to use car parks, public transport and active forms of travel.

“The income raised will be reinvested into the resorts and highway maintenance at these popular locations.

“We have made on-street parking at resorts free before 10am to try and accommodate those living locally and restricted on-street parking in these areas to a maximum of four hours to ensure different people can access spaces throughout the day.”