Council defends plans to increase parking charges

A senior councillor has defended plans to increase car parking charges in several seaside towns, following concerns they could harm tourism.

North Norfolk District Council is putting up fees at places including Cromer, Sheringham and Wells-next-the-Sea to generate more than £150,000 in extra income.

Before agreeing the changes at a meeting this week, more than half the people responding to a survey said they were worried the new fees would put people off visiting.

But Lucy Shires, cabinet member for finance at the Liberal Democrat-run authority, said the increases were fair and would help support maintaining other facilities, such as Cromer Pier and public toilets.

"It is reasonable that those who use and benefit from our tourist infrastructure contribute towards its upkeep," she said.

"This was not about penalising visitors. It's about ensuring sustainability.

"At the same time, we remain mindful that tourism underpins many local livelihoods and our pricing remains extremely competitive with neighbouring authorities and comparable coastal destinations."

The Local Democracy Reporting Service says the new fees will mean hourly charges in some car parks on the coast will rise from £2.10 to £2.20 an hour.

While beaches and seaside towns will be more expensive to park at, inland market towns like Fakenham and Stalham will not see any increases.

The council said it did not want to raise them there because it could put people off visiting the high streets.

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