Concerns Over New Parking Charges on Aberystwyth Promenade
Business owners have expressed concerns that the introduction of on-street parking charges on Aberystwyth's popular promenade may discourage customers and visitors from coming to the area.
Previously, the promenade had no parking restrictions, but starting Monday, drivers are required to pay £3.50 for two hours or £5 for four hours between 08:00 BST and 20:00.
Ceredigion council stated that the charges aim to manage the "very high demand for seafront parking more fairly" and to attract more tourists, clarifying that the fees are not intended as a revenue-generating measure.
Councillor Gareth Davies noted that surveys conducted in other towns showed that introducing parking fees did not negatively impact businesses or tourism.
Parking charges on Aberystwyth promenade have been a topic of discussion within the council for several years. Proposals for the current scheme were made in 2023, with councillors approving the charges in January 2026.
Davies, who is Ceredigion council's cabinet member for finance, expressed hope that the changes would increase the availability of parking spaces.
"In parts of the prom, people have been allowed to park all day every day [for free]. Some people parked there for days on end. What that means is that those parking spaces are not then available for the general public who want to spend a couple of hours in town."
He emphasized that the purpose of the charges is not to raise revenue but to encourage visitors, especially tourists, by ensuring parking availability.
"The customers we get in the mornings are local regulars who come in - some every day - for their morning coffee. It's a lifeline for a lot of these older people. They've already indicated to me that parking fees of £3.50 on top of their coffee every day will not be something that they can afford to do on the pensions they're on."
Davies also mentioned that the revenue generated would support council services and help maintain existing car parks.
A report presented to councillors in September 2024 highlighted that similar parking schemes have been in place in other coastal towns for many years. At that time, on-street parking fees were £5.50 for four hours in Llandudno and Colwyn Bay, and £4 for four hours in Rhyl.
Business Owners Voice Concerns
Despite the council's position, local business owners have voiced worries about the potential impact of the new charges on customers, visitors, and staff.
Nia Roberts, owner of two businesses in Aberystwyth, shared concerns that regular customers might reduce their visits due to the fees.
"I think it'll have a negative effect,"she said.
"The customers we get in the mornings are local regulars who come in - some every day - for their morning coffee. It's a lifeline for a lot of these older people. They've already indicated to me that parking fees of £3.50 on top of their coffee every day will not be something that they can afford to do on the pensions they're on."
Roberts also highlighted concerns for her staff, many of whom live outside the town and work late shifts. She noted that the new charges might force them to park further away to avoid fees, raising safety issues.
"[It] means them walking back to their cars at 22:30 or 23:00 at night. That becomes a safety issue, especially for a lot of my younger staff. It's not something I'm comfortable with."
Gareth Evans, owner of Gwesty Cymru, a seafront hotel without its own car park, also expressed concerns about the impact on bookings.
"We let our guests know when they're booking there is on-street parking all along the streets around us. [Now we are] having to introduce that extra charge straight off the bat - and that's if they can get a space. These spaces are only up to a maximum of four hours, so they're not applicable for [guests] anyway because they're going to be here overnight. It's another reason to get people out of the town centre."
Mixed Public Reactions
Opinions among residents and visitors in Aberystwyth were mixed. Some supported the introduction of parking fees, noting that the town had previously benefited from free parking on the promenade.
However, more individuals expressed concerns about the cost.
Lynn Phillips from Bow Street, near Aberystwyth, highlighted the economic challenges facing the town.
"We're in crisis at the moment - shops are closing, the rates are high,"she said.
"The parking is very expensive - you put that out of a monthly wage, it's a lot for staff who work in town."
Alison Warren, visiting Aberystwyth for the day from Bournemouth, described the fees as unfair to local businesses.
"People are going to have to pay again to come and see the seafront and maybe use a coffee shop or something like that. And for the locals, it's sad."
Janek, from St David's in Pembrokeshire, felt the charges might not significantly affect tourists but would impact the local community.
"I think it's going to impact the community of Aberystwyth. If you want to pop to town to have a coffee now it's going to cost potentially £10."
Council Response and Additional Information
Business owners expressed a preference for a compromise with the council, suggesting that free parking with time limits on the promenade could have been a better solution.
In response, Councillor Davies pointed out that there are several other free parking options in the town, both public and private, offering up to three hours of free parking.
The new parking charges apply specifically to Victoria Terrace, Marine Terrace, and New Promenade.
Payments can be made via pay-and-display machines or mobile phone. Blue Badge holders are exempt from charges, provided a valid badge is displayed.
