DRIVERS in a popular seaside town have been left outraged after being forced to pay a new “sunset tax” for their parking.
The new charge, which has been implemented by the local council, has been slammed as an “utter disgrace” by motorists.
Previously, drivers were allowed to park up for free in the evenings, giving many a chance to enjoy the sun setting over the coastline.
Now though, Denbighshire County Council, which governs holiday hotspots in North Wales including Rhyl and Prestatyn, has begun to ask drivers to cough up for the privilege.
Citing “budgetary pressures”, the council has now extended the end of the charging period from 5pm to 11pm.
Enforcement usually begins at 8am, but in some car parks tickets can be issued from 6am.
Not only that, but councillors have also hiked fees, with two hours now costing £1.50 in the winter months and £2 in the summer.
Likewise, an annual permit for people living in the area spiked from £65 to £80.
Sharing their frustration on social media, residents blasted the decision as unfair.
One wrote: “If you pay local council tax, it should include free parking passes.
“We live here… why do we have to pay to see the sunset or sunrise in our own town?”
Another fumed: “We used to like going down to the beach to sit in our van and watch the sunsets.
“But with these ridiculous charges, especially for locals, we refuse to pay them, and now have to do without that pleasure.
“Utter disgrace that people should be forced to pay just to enjoy a sunset.”
And a third added that the charges would deprive locals of the chance to walk their dogs around the beach in the evenings.
There was also concern for local businesses operating on the seafront, which could potentially see customers put off by the extra charges.
A spokesperson for Denbighshire County Council said: “The council last increased its car park tariffs in 2016, meaning fees have stayed the same for eight years. In that time, the cost of goods and services has increased significantly due to rising inflation.
“Rising costs due to inflation and the current budgetary pressures the council is facing led to the council to make the decision to increase its car parking tariffs and charging times.
“Car parking tariffs as well as charging times from across many other North Wales local authorities were considered when setting these new fees.
“It is not unusual for councils to charge for evening use of their car parks, and this is an approach implemented by many other local authorities.”
They also emphasised that, despite the increase, residents’ permits still offer “excellent value” across the course of a year.
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