'Displaced' parking issues 'another nail in the coffin for tourism'

North Wales Live

24-06-2025

Rising costs at Conwy's public car parks are reportedly "displacing" demand to other facilities within the county. This month saw the introduction of parking charges at a previously free-to-use spot on Llandudno's Great Orme. North Wales Live readers are fed up with seeing charges rise at council car parks.
Llandudno Snowsports Centre (LSC) claimed it had no choice but to implement fees due to an influx of visitors deterred by escalating costs at the council's summit car park. Manager Nigel Treacy noted that others were being directed to the site from town centre car parks.
He stated: "Some people were being sent here by local hotels. They recommended us because the parking was free. We know this because we heard it from hotel guests."
As of June, a parking fee of £2 for up to six hours has been enforced, managed by Parking Eye. The change has already caught some regulars off guard: one father, watching his son on the ski slope, voiced his frustration online after receiving a £100 fine – reduced to £60 if paid within 28 days. He grumbled: "I always thought it was free as have never paid before."
In recent years, Conwy Council has gradually increased parking charges to compensate for reduced income from the Welsh Government. Prices fluctuate depending on location, but typically start at £1.50 for one hour, rising to £7.50 for four hours. Some promenade parking now begins at £5.50.
This strategy includes finding new sources of income and reducing expenditure on non-essential services. The Council acknowledges that raising parking fees is one of the "difficult choices" it faces in its efforts to manage financial pressures.
In light of these developments, Mr Treacy felt it necessary to implement charges at LSC to ensure parking availability for patrons. He shared that feedback suggests their rates are still considered very reasonable: "People tell us we're still too cheap!" he remarked.
Commenter Islandgirl60 says: 'I always park at the railway station in Llandudno. Never full and very reasonable!'
Jonesey1 replies: 'Great, but that's a bit of a hike to and from the town centre!'
Daffyddthomas thinks: 'The fees for 6 hours are very reasonable, in fact everywhere should charge, but locals should go free or have a reduced rate.'
Captcheese retorts: 'As if they'll make it free for the locals! They should but they won't. I would not go anywhere near an APNR car park - Parking Eye in particular. Leave after 5 minutes after finding you don't have change, then look forward to a £60 'fine' in the post - or whatever they chose to call it because it's not a fine.'
Lucy1967 adds: 'It would be difficult to implement that as how could you prove that you were local? I agree that it's a reasonable price, but the company they are using are callous to charge if you are a couple of mins over, a few mins grace should be given at least.'
Davey Chester writes: 'My wife and I used to regularly visit Llandudno and spend 6 to 8 hours there. We no longer visit because of the cost of parking. It's ridiculous the cost of some car parks. But, it's Llandudno's loss and we know we are not the only people who have taken this view.'
Emileeee thinks: 'Another nail in the coffin for tourism, almost as though they don't want anyone visiting Wales.'
Paul Wilson agrees: 'Any excuse to line the pockets and hit the motorists.'
Bruce Garbett adds: 'I planned on returning to Anglesea [sic] for another 10 days in the next couple of months. What with speed restrictions and parking plus overhead barriers in parking places I am having serious thoughts about going now. Probably spend my cash elsewhere.'
Anthony Stockton points out: 'The car park was full all the time, I don't blame them for doing this, there was no room for customers to park.'
Mildred Bartholemew states: 'Parking fees are stupid prices nowadays not everyone earns the wages for them. We should appreciate that people want to come to these landmarks and put a thought towards the minimum wage people.'
David Kirkwood replies: 'Tell that to Denbighshire CC who have raised times for paid parking in Rhyl to 11pm!! Even theatre patrons have to pay plus locals who just want to have a stroll on the beach and seafront. Talk about kicking a town already on its knees.'