Council approves parking charges for County Durham beach car park to force 'problem parkers' to pay
The charges will come into force at Crimdon Beach car park later this year after the council approved the controversial proposal in County Durham
by Bill Edgar · ChronicleLiveControversy has erupted in County Durham as the council approved plans to introduce parking charges at a popular beach, despite significant opposition. Durham County Council will now require visitors to Crimdon Beach Car Park to fork out £1 per hour or £3 for an all-day stay.
The decision was made behind closed doors and under delegated powers, sparking upset among locals and fears that the fees will deter tourists. Blackhalls councillor Rob Crute voiced his concerns at a Highways Committee meeting last September, stating: "the proposal flies in the face of reason and public opinion" and suggesting that "the council is determined to drive tourism and visitors away."
Meanwhile, Councillor Kevin Shaw highlighted the negative impact of similar charges in Seaham, saying: "I don’t think charges will necessarily deliver what it says on the tin. I live in Seaham and I’ve seen the impact that the car parking charges have had. " He added: "I’ve seen how parking has been displaced and is causing even more problems than the car parking charges were initially intended to deal with. It won’t resolve the problem it will just create another."
Despite these concerns, the council insists that the new charges and double yellow lines are necessary to curb inappropriate parking, noting that it remains the only North East council to offer free coastal parking until now.
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Following a recent Highways Committee vote, Durham County Council will be introducing charges at Crimdon Beach Car Park later this year, marking the end of free parking in coastal car parks for the council. A spokesperson for Durham County Council said: "Following the Highways Committee’s vote in favour of a traffic regulation order to introduce pay and display parking restrictions at Crimdon Beach Car Park, we can confirm that a decision has been made under delegated powers to bring the order into force."
"We were the only local authority in the North East to offer free parking in coastal car parks. While charging brings us in line with many other councils, nationally and regionally, we have kept the cost affordable, at £1 per hour or £3 for a full day."
It's yet to be confirmed when exactly the parking charges will take effect, but the council assures this will be disclosed promptly. .
The council added: "The charge will help reduce the chances of the car park being over-capacity during busy periods which can result in congestion and visitors leaving to go to other destinations. We are also introducing double yellow lines to prevent obstructive parking, which has been a problem at Crimdon. By effectively managing available parking spaces through these measures, we can help visitors access the coastline and encourage return visits. A higher turnover of visitors during the day can also increase footfall for local businesses."
The public will be informed about when these changes are set to commence with a legal notice in the local press.