CAR parking charges at Penarth Cliff Walk, Cold Knap and Bron-y-Môr in Barry are to be suspended until Spring 2026.
The charges were introduced in September as part of the Vale Council’s wider car parking strategy. A report is now being presented to the council’s cabinet on 4th December recommending these be suspended temporarily.
Photo: Vale Council.
Cllr Mark Wilson, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood and Building Services, said: “We’ve listened carefully to residents and local businesses, and it’s clear that the introduction of parking charges at Penarth Cliff Walk, Cold Knap and Bron-y-Mor has raised concerns that we need to respond to.
“We know that car parking charges need to strike the right balance between raising the income we need to protect critical services and supporting the people and businesses who rely on these coastal areas every day. When introducing the charges in September, we didn’t get that balance right.
“People have spoken honestly about how the timing has affected them, especially during the autumn and winter months, which is an already difficult period for coastal businesses. We introduced the charges after months of consideration, but we recognise that bringing them in, just as daylight shortens and visitor numbers fall, placed extra pressure on traders and residents at the wrong time.
“These charges were meant to work alongside new on-street parking charges at Barry Island and Penarth Seafront, designed to increase turnover of the busiest spaces. With those still not in place, and the council yet to consider the recent consultation on their introduction, the current situation encourages people to use free on-street parking instead of the car parks, which is counterproductive and could also potentially become a source of confusion for visitors.
“Our intention has always been for visitors to contribute the larger share of parking income to help maintain our coastal resorts. Pausing the charges until the Spring gives us the chance to reset, listen further, and ensure any future approach is fair, better timed, and supportive of the community.
“We still think that the introduction of charges at these locations is the best decision for the Vale. At the same time, we recognise that our implementation could have been more flexible, and we are committed to maintaining this flexible approach moving forward.
“Our focus now is to work with residents and businesses to develop a parking strategy that genuinely works for everyone, generates much needed income to protect vital services, and strengthens our coastal towns.”
It is expected that the proposal to suspend the charges will be formally agreed on 4th December and if this is the case, parking fees at the three car parks will be waived with immediate effect. Payment machines and signage at each of the car parks will be covered to signal the change.
A further report on car parking charges, including a further consideration of proposals for on-street charges in Barry and Penarth, will be presented to cabinet in the New Year.
Upon Vale Council’s announcement, Plaid Cymru councillors have welcomed the decision to suspend car parking charges.
Plaid Cymru Cllr Steffan Wiliam said: “From the first time that this was raised at the start of this year, Plaid Cymru councillors have warned of the impact upon local businesses and residents.
“However, despite our protests, Labour councillors thought they knew better and pushed this through.
“In November, the popular fish restaurant, Mr Villas, closed its doors at the Knap, citing the charges as a contributory factor in their decision.
“I am pleased that the Vale Council have finally listened to common sense and suspended these charges.”
Cllr Mark Hooper, Plaid Cymru’s lead candidate for next year’s Senedd election, added: “As councillors with responsibility for Barry Island and the Knap, Plaid were horrified that Labour wanted to introduce these charges, and we voted against them in committee and the Council Budget earlier this year.
“All of the warning signs were there that this would be unsuccessful and would hurt our local businesses.
“In fact, those businesses told Labour this consistently during the consultation period, and were ignored.”
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